The German association "Der Mittelstand. BVMW" has conducted a survey that highlights the relevance of older workers in mitigating the shortage of skilled workers. About ten million baby boomers will retire in the next ten years, leaving a significant gap in the labor market.
"The experience of the 50-plus generation and their know-how are essential for the competitiveness of our companies. There is an urgent need to focus on promoting and integrating older workers into the labor market," says Markus Jerger, Chairman of BVMW.
"Companies benefit particularly from external experts 50plus. They are former specialists and managers who are commissioned on a project-by-project basis. They are available quickly and flexibly, bring know-how to companies and help them grow," adds Yani Neugebauer, BVMW expert and initiator of the 50+ start-up center.
Flash survey on the age structure in German SMEs
"The Mittelstand. BVMW" calls for targeted improvements in the framework conditions for the deployment of older employees and the introduction of support programs for the entrepreneurial commitment of experts 50plus in order to mitigate the shortage of skilled workers and preserve innovative strength. A flash survey conducted by the Federal Association on the age structure in German SMEs and the role of the 50-plus generation clearly shows the relevance of older employees for competitiveness and mitigating the shortage of skilled workers in the wake of demographic change.
95.5 percent of companies are willing to use the expertise and knowledge of the 50plus generation for specific tasks and projects, as the survey of 1,210 medium-sized companies in Germany shows. Medium-sized companies are interested in hiring older workers on a variety of bases: 77 percent prefer full-time employment, 49 percent part-time employment and 41 percent project-based work. Multiple responses were possible.
The survey also identified potential barriers to employing or contracting professionals over 50 in such roles and projects. The biggest concerns are high salary expectations (63 percent), inadequate qualifications (31 percent) and personal suitability, such as lack of flexibility or teamwork skills (33 percent). Multiple responses were possible.
The BVMW encourages companies to exploit the potential of the 50-plus generation and pass on their know-how to younger generations. In this way, German SMEs can counteract the acute shortage of skilled workers and secure their competitiveness in the long term.
