The term “skilled labor shortage” is omnipresent in the media. But what exactly does it mean and how does such a “shortage” of skilled workers come about? We have summarized the definition, causes and consequences here.
The term “skilled labor shortage” is omnipresent in the media. But what exactly does it mean and how does such a “shortage” of skilled workers come about? We have summarized the definition, causes and consequences here.
The term “skilled labor shortage” is omnipresent in the media. But what exactly does it mean and how does such a “shortage” of skilled workers come about? We have summarized the definition, causes and consequences here.
This describes a shortage of employees with certain qualifications that persists over a longer period of time, meaning that a relevant number of jobs intended for them cannot be filled. A shortage of skilled workers can also occur in times of high unemployment - namely when the qualifications required by employers do not match the qualifications of the unemployed.
A distinction must be made between the shortage of skilled workers and the shortage of labor. The latter describes a shortage of workers that does not take into account the qualification requirements of employers and employees.
Typical reasons why there is a shortage of skilled workers can be:
The challenges and impacts of the skills shortage for companies include:
In addition, the consequences can have an even greater, societal dimension: for example, the lack of skilled workers can hinder economic growth and even – especially in “third world countries” – lead to central functions in society not being filled.
According to statistics, there is a high level of skilled labor shortage in Germany. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection quantified the current skills gap is 630,000. There are currently no unemployed people with suitable qualifications for so many vacancies.
Which professions are particularly affected? Especially those in the MINT sector and Healthcare as well as in the trades and the metal and electrical industries. Teachers and nursery school teachers are also desperately needed. Therefore, various solutions are being discussed as to how this shortage can be compensated for – for example, by focusing on Career changers.
In this context, the opinion that there is no shortage of skilled workers is also prominent (the "myth" or "the myth of a shortage of skilled workers" is often mentioned). Accordingly, there are enough willing and suitable candidates to whom companies only need to give the chance - through a corresponding lateral entry - to gain a foothold in the relevant fields of activity.
Companies are taking a number of steps to get the problem under control, for example:
In the short term, many companies compensate for the shortage of skilled workers, for example by increasing working hours, but also by increasing wages.
The government is also doing a lot, for example in the form of job security and the creation of educational opportunities. Some measures are met with great criticism, such as the government's increase in the retirement age in order to keep older skilled workers in employment for as long as possible.
(Source cover photo: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/male-worker-factory_4410543.htm by senivpetro)
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