The long-term study 'Companies and corporate working environments in Germany' examines changes in the world of work (see also p. 640). The joint study by the Helmut Schmidt University of the Federal Armed Forces in Hamburg and the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin is headed by Prof. Matiaske.
In which steps is the long-term study being conducted?
Prof. Dr. Wenzel MatiaskeItis planned for three survey waves until the end of 2026. Each wave will comprise two samples of companies and a sample of self-employed people to cover micro and one-person businesses. For the first wave, 780 interviews were conducted. We had expected a significantly higher number. However, the coronavirus crisis made access to the field more difficult. The second survey, which we are drawing from the Federal Employment Agency's business register, provides more than 1,500 data records and will be published these days. We were also able to survey around 630 self-employed people about their business situation and are currently preparing the second survey wave.
The study has so far confirmed the challenge that three quarters of companies face in recruiting new skilled workers ...
The finding comes as little surprise and was already an important topic in HR practice and research before the coronavirus crisis. However, the IAB Nuremberg (Institute for Employment Research) does not speak of a general labor shortage in its long-term observation of the labor market, but of regional, industry- and occupation-specific problems. This was confirmed by our first company sample.
What influence does digitalization have?
A good question to which there is no simple answer. Although the topic is currently on everyone's lips again with the possibilities of AI, this process did not just start today. The factory without people was already a vision of the future and a spectre half a century ago. So far, the substitution of human labor has not led to an overall reduction in gainful employment.
