Shortage of skilled workers? Something can be done about that!

The German economy is continuing to lose a lot of money because it is unable to fill vacancies. We are talking about EUR 50 billion. A handsome sum. But why is it that so often suitable applicants cannot be found? Here are five reasons that are regularly stated:

• The job is not attractive.
• Working conditions are not attractive.
• The prospects are not attractive.
• The location is not attractive.
• The company is not attractive.

So, let’s take a closer look at these five reasons and find solutions.

The job, i.e. the type of work, is not attractive

The first step is to clarify whether the job is actually described correctly. Most jobs have changed significantly in recent years. Without computers and electronic devices, many jobs are no longer possible. Even a plumber today works with highly technical measuring devices that require a basic understanding of certain processes. The construction industry also relies on digital support, much more than it did a few years ago. The changes and requirements described above must be clearly stated in the advertisements for vacant or new positions so that the right people are interested and apply for them.

Working conditions are not attractive

Work-life balance is not only something that many people talk about, it is also demanded by more and more working people, especially younger ones. For ever more employees, it is important to have enough time for a life away from work. Forward-looking companies therefore rely on flexible models when it comes to working hours. Also, many workers find monotonous jobs uninteresting. This is where the creativity of companies and businesses is called for to structure the fields of activity in such a way that a varied and interesting working day is possible. Yes, of course, a machine operator cannot work from home, but perhaps there are phases in the daily routine in which he could work elsewhere. If jobs are looked at on a modular basis and not as a whole, a host of opportunities can be opened up to make workplaces more attractive from a professional point of view.

The prospects are not attractive

Most employees are looking for professional development and career advancement opportunities. Companies are deprived of many opportunities if there are too few jobs for career advancement or too few opportunities for additional qualifications. If management positions such as the few available executive positions are already taken, well-qualified employees will quickly see no prospects and decide in favour of another company. This is where creativity is required: Smaller companies can, for example, offer to provide additional training in addition to the actual profession, or provide opportunities to work on joint projects with cooperating companies. Another option is to organise oneself in professional associations and to create meaningful tasks that enable employees to acquire additional skills.

The location is not attractive

Of course, this is a really difficult situation. First of all, the following question has to be asked: for whom? If you’re looking for “Google engineers” but are actually located over the mountains and far away, it’s a rather unlikely undertaking. If the location is not open to discussion, you may want to ask yourself which groups of people might find it attractive. These advantages need to be worked out in job advertisements. The fact is: Yes, a big city has many advantages, but so does a small town, only for other people, such as workers who are currently in the family phase.

The company is not attractive. Or not well known

Most employees want their friends and acquaintances to know the company they work for. At least in the region where the company is located, it should be known and ideally have a good reputation. Many companies and businesses attract positive attention far too rarely. It often helps to go outside and to be present in places where potential future employees can get an impression of their potential employers. In this case, a little effort can already have a big effect: From time to time, you should visit schools whose graduates might be of interest for your own company. Or give lectures at your chamber of commerce or chamber of crafts.

Of course, the large number of vacancies cannot be filled overnight. But in order to close the gap and drive the success of your economy, every step is a step in the right direction. And of course, I will be happy to support you along the way!