The German economy continues to suffer - and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future - from a lack of qualified staff. The number of vacancies currently (as of February 2024) stands at around 700,000, and those who cannot find new employees are all the more dependent on retaining the current workforce. How can this be achieved?
As a provider of vocational education and training (Aus- und Weiterbildung), the Internationaler Bund (IB) is naturally convinced that training is one of the keys to employee satisfaction and retention. "When I realize that my employer is investing in me, that they are building on me by teaching me new things or letting me learn new things - then my identification with the company will be naturally strengthened," says Thiemo Fojkar, CEO of the IB. It goes without saying that the Internationaler Bund offers a wide range of internal training courses. (breites internes Fortbildungsangebot.)
What's more, those who have accumulated a lot of expertise in a particular area do not immediately switch sectors in difficult times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the catering industry lost a lot of low-skilled staff who were looking for new prospects during lockdown. When cafés and restaurants reopened, there was a shortage of employees in many places who were now working in sales, logistics or cleaning at other companies. Hotel or restaurant staff who had completed their training tended to return to their original jobs.
For example, employees want a good atmosphere, appreciation, a good work-life balance and flexibility.
What else helps to encourage employees to stay? Often it is very simple things that don't even cost money: according to the Federal Statistical Office, a good working atmosphere is important to 63% of German employees. They want recognition, respect and appreciation from management. A good work-life balance is important to 54%, good training 49% and flexibility - for example in the form of mobile working - 43%.
The Internationaler Bund is committed to offering its staff all of this. In order to be able to take the wishes of the workforce into account at all times, the IB will be conducting another employee survey this year. Click here for the current vacancies in the company- (Hier geht es zu den aktuell freien Stellen im Unternehmen)
