Instruments and methods for a successful integration of international workforce to reduce the skilled labor shortage in Germany

A critical analysis

Bachelor Thesis , 2016 , 98 Pages , Grade: 1,7

Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance

The German population structure is facing an aging population and low birth rates. Since the 1970s, birth rates already undercut the number of necessary children to preserve the population. Since the end of the 1990s the yearly birthrate is 1.4 children per woman. Germany’s population has been declining since 2004 and scientists predict that the children’s generation will be one third smaller than the parents’ one. Without substantial migration the age structure will change significantly.

In 2008, Germanys’ working-age population (20-65 years old) was at 60.6 per cent. From 2030 on this number will decrease to 54.5 per cent. At the same time, the number of people older than 65 years will increase from 20.4 to 28.8 per cent. This development is provoking substantial problems in social and retirement systems, since a growing number of people are making use of insurance benefits and less people of the working generation contribute to raise the financial resources.

Another major problem is the increasing gap on the employment market, because not the whole leaving workforce can be replaced with adequate personnel. Scientists predict that in the next 20 years 13.4 million people are leaving the working life but only 7.2 million jobs can be filled with young national professionals. Under this condition, an estimated number of 6.2 million job vacancies cannot be filled until 2035.

In order to reduce the negative consequences of the dramatic development on the German labor market, and to maintain and raise the competitiveness of the German economy, it is indispensable to activate additional skilled worker potential. The focus of the thesis is to elaborate a framework of tools and methods for a successful integration of international personnel to reduce the labor shortage of German companies. To reach this goal, different specific characteristics of the target group are examined. The research provides an analysis of the historical, political, economic and regional situation in terms of lack of labor to expose fundamental knowledge about the issue in different occupational groups. This analysis serves as a basis to understand which industries are facing a mismatch of labor and what kind of specific professionals are required.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Problem statement and research question
  • 1.2 Objective of thesis
  • 1.3 Methodology
  • 1.4 Structure of thesis and contents
• 2 Fundamental analysis of current state
  • 2.1 Definition of skilled labor shortage
  • 2.2 Analysis of German labor market
    • 2.3.1 Technical experts
    • 2.3.2 Health care sector
    • 2.3.3 Non-academic professions
  • 2.3 Particularities of selected professions and industries
• 3 Foreign employees in Germany
  • 3.1 Historical development of labor migration
  • 3.2 Current migration regulations
  • 3.3 Chances to reduce the lack of skilled labor
• 4 Key factors for integration of international workforce
  • 4.1 Identification of target group
    • 4.1.1 Recruiting agencies
    • 4.1.2 Business websites and social networks
    • 4.1.3 Recognition of foreign qualifications
  • 4.2 Origin of foreign employees
    • 4.2.1 Active recruitment of job candidates from abroad
    • 4.2.2 Foreign employees in Germany
  • 4.3 Language
    • 4.3.1 Language courses
    • 4.3.2 Workplace-related language trainings
  • 4.4 Culture clash
  • 4.5 Costs
  • 4.6 Sustainability
  • 4.7 Interim conclusion and summary
• 5 Instruments for successful integration
  • 5.1 Welcome culture
    • 5.1.1 Explanation of term
    • 5.1.2 Application in the organization
  • 5.2 Mentoring
    • 5.2.1 Explanation of term
    • 5.2.2 Application in the organization
  • 5.3 Employer attractiveness
    • 5.3.1 Explanation of term
    • 5.3.2 Application in the organization
      • 5.3.2.1 Job benefits
      • 5.3.2.2 Family oriented benefits
      • 5.3.2.3 Location of workplace

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis examines the instruments and methods used to successfully integrate international workforce into the German labor market to address the skilled labor shortage. The study aims to critically analyze various aspects of integration, focusing on key factors that influence the success of international employees.

• The challenges of integrating international workforce in Germany.
• The role of language and cultural differences in integration processes.
• The importance of employer attractiveness and effective recruitment strategies.
• The impact of various instruments like welcome culture, mentoring, and recognition of foreign qualifications.
• The need for a sustainable approach to integrating international workforce.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The thesis begins by outlining the problem statement and research question, establishing the context of the skilled labor shortage in Germany. Chapter 2 explores the current state of the German labor market, analyzing specific sectors and professions facing shortages. Chapter 3 provides a historical overview of labor migration in Germany and discusses current regulations and opportunities for addressing the skilled labor shortage. Chapter 4 delves into key factors for integrating international workforce, examining aspects like target group identification, recruitment strategies, language acquisition, and cultural adaptation. Chapter 5 examines specific instruments for successful integration, including welcome culture, mentoring, and employer attractiveness.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The core focus of this thesis is on the successful integration of international workforce in Germany, focusing on the challenges of skilled labor shortage, recruitment and integration strategies, language acquisition, cultural adaptation, and the importance of a sustainable approach to workforce integration. Key terms include international workforce, skilled labor shortage, integration, recruitment, language, culture, welcome culture, mentoring, employer attractiveness, and sustainability.

• College: University of applied sciences, Siegen
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Daniel Weber (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 98
• Catalog Number: V339156
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668290716
• ISBN (Book): 9783668290723
• Language: English
• Tags: international workforce, labor shortage, ageing population, labor market