Demographic change: Lack of staff in the middle class: A third worries about existence

The shortage of skilled workers is difficult for many medium -sized companies in Germany – right up to great concerns of existence. According to a survey by the KfW survey, almost 60 percent of medium -sized companies expect problems with the occupation of open positions over the next five years. A third (33 percent) of the companies even sees the existence in the medium to long term due to the shortage of labor. “Small companies particularly express these concerns,” writes the KfW.

Accordingly, 39 percent of the medium-sized companies surveyed in East Germany see the continued existence of their company due to the lack of labor. It is 31 percent in the west. The greatest concerns are in the construction industry: 10 percent of those surveyed stated here, so they see their existence in the medium to long term “definitely” and a further 29 percent “rather” threatened.

Overall, companies are planning to accept less orders or to restrict production, opening times and accessibility, according to the representative KfW survey, in which 2,494 companies took part in September.

Higher salaries and more flexible working hours

Almost eight out of ten companies that count on problems with the job occupation in the next five years want to increase their attractiveness as an employer. 67 percent state that wages are very likely or likely to increase. 59 percent want to flexible working hours or locations and increasingly offer 53 percent further training opportunities.

In contrast, only a few medium -sized companies plan to expand childcare offers at 22 percent. The recruitment of foreign workers consider 25 percent.

“In view of the extensive demographic change, the efforts of the companies alone will not be enough to fix the impending bottlenecks on the labor market,” said KfW economist Elisabeth Grewenig. Politicians have to strengthen training opportunities. “Because too many young people currently have no professional qualification.” In addition, the continuing training must be expanded.