Labor market
Many people find themselves in a downward spiral at work
Many working people are often under pressure – too often. But according to a new study, when it comes to stress at work, the motto is often: You can add a little more to it. With dramatic consequences.
For Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) and his business colleague Robert Habeck (Greens), the fight against the shortage of skilled workers in Germany is a high priority. The two ministers remaining in the government have made this clear often enough. Affected companies often come up with a lot of ideas to close the gaps in their workforce. But how do bottlenecks among colleagues affect the employees in the company?
Where are the bottlenecks greatest?
According to a new survey from the “DGB Good Work Index” study series, the proportion of teachers, employees in geriatric and nursing care, vehicle drivers and educators who are very or very severely affected is between 60 and 70 percent. Overall, 46 percent of all employees report a staff shortage. Incidentally, the corresponding problems not only exist in work areas in typical bottleneck jobs, but – to a somewhat lesser extent – also, for example, in a very responsible area such as organization in a company (37 percent).
What are the typical consequences of a staff shortage?
Of course, bottlenecks are a problem for companies. But – according to the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) – the effects are often devastating for employees too. The study states: “The pressure on the remaining employees is increased.” At least that’s what many of those affected report. Three quarters (76 percent) of those surveyed who reported a major shortage of staff in their work area have to take on additional tasks due to the lack of staff. 60 percent report an increased work pace to compensate for the consequences of the staff shortage – with all possible consequences for their health.
What else is typical for those affected?
The influence of employees on their own work design is decreasing. 57 percent each state that they have to work overtime or adapt their working hours to operational requirements due to the lack of staff. According to the survey, for 30 percent the staff shortage means that they have to take on tasks for which they are not qualified. The trade union federation warns of impacts on the quality of services for affected students, patients or passengers of buses, for example.
Is there at least land in sight for those affected?
Mostly not – on the contrary. Of the employees who are (very) affected by a staff shortage, 72 percent report that additional colleagues have left the work area due to this situation. This was even the case to a large extent for 39 percent of those affected, according to the DGB. “A lack of staff and the associated deterioration in working conditions can set in motion a downward spiral,” the study authors conclude. “The longer the staff shortage lasts, the more frequently it is reported that colleagues are leaving the work area.”
Would you recommend your job to others?
The study participants were also asked this. According to the survey, if the working conditions are okay, 96 percent would recommend their employer to a friend. Not surprisingly: “The worse the quality of work, the less often this is the case,” says the DGB. If the working conditions were poor, a good three quarters of those surveyed would advise against working for this employer.
Is there anything positive that can be taken from the situation?
Already. Yasmin Fahimi, the DGB chairwoman, says: “The need for skilled workers puts greater focus on those groups of people who have previously been disadvantaged in the labor market: women in part-time employment, employees with a migrant background, people with disabilities, low-skilled and older employees.”
The task for politicians and companies is now to address the hurdles that stand in the way of greater work participation by these groups. Fahimi means a lack of support for child care and care, obstacles in accessing training and further education, work overload – “and working hours that don’t fit with life,” says the former SPD politician.
How was the study even created?
The quality of the working conditions was determined using 42 questions about the specific working situation. The employees assessed available resources, the stresses that arise, as well as income and job security. On this basis, the study organizers classified the results into four levels from poor to good work. The report is based on a random sample of 6,985 dependent employees who work in Germany.
dpa
Source: Stern
