Employee Experience in Germany
The Global Employee Experience Report allows you to access workplace culture, employee engagement, employee happiness, and employee wellness in Germany. These four main indexes compose the overall Employee Experience Score that sets the ground rules for the future of work.
Bases of Employee Engagement
Socializing with your co-worker is not common in German workplace culture. Lunch breaks are not suitable times for socializing, it is generally appropriate to set aside time for socializing after working hours. Tasks are always prioritized during office hours.
Formality prevails within the company due to the hierarchy. However, employee satisfaction is measured by regular surveys. Employee satisfaction surveys are considered important by companies.
Internal Communication and Employee Feedback Structure
Teamwork is important in the German workplace culture. There is no concept of "I" in the team. Germans value the perspectives, skills, and talent of their colleagues and give opportunities. When making a decision between teams, it is preferable to talk and reach a joint decision. But the hierarchy is clearly felt and appreciated. The expertise of the most experienced people is always respected. That's why decisions are taken top-down.
Pillars of Workplace Culture
Work is at Work
Germans have always been known for their discipline and efficiency. Weekly working hours are 35 hours. How are they more productive despite these lower working hours compared to some countries? By getting the job done at work. Germans take their working hours seriously, they never waste their minutes, they are planned and scheduled. In this way, their efficiency is at the highest level. No business conversations are required outside of business hours. Sending e-mail outside of business hours is not appropriate. They always take care to complete their tasks at work. This ensures both working hours to be productive and maintaining a work-life balance for employees.
Attention! You're 1 Minute Late!
Think of punctuality where even 1 minute counts. It can be considered the most important part of the German work culture. For example, for a meeting that will start at 9.00, everyone must be at the meeting point by 8.55. Late attendees are never welcome. Attending the meeting on time is seen as respect for others. The punctuality of the Germans is a work culture known and accepted by everyone. Punctuality should be your top priority in business meetings with your German partners.
Always Organized
Making long-term plans in career progression and complying with these plans is very important in German company culture. Many appointments and meetings are scheduled weeks in advance. Planning in advance also contributes to everyone's personal time management and timely participation in the meetings. Otherwise, if there is a possibility of being late for the meeting, it must be informed and a good reason must be provided. It is considered rude to be late or not attend the meeting without notice.
Learning & Development of Future Talents
In 2019, 33% of young adults (25-34 year-olds) population get higher education degrees in Germany. The percentage of higher education graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing, and construction is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data (21,4%). The proportion of 25-64 year-olds who attained a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is 1.4 %, 2019.
Performance & Productivity GDP per Hour Worked: 102.9
Part-time Employment Rate : 22%
Average Wages : 4416 EUR
Minimum Wages : 1584 EUR
Employee Turnover Rate : 26%
Unemployment Rate: Total 3,15% - Male 3,51% - Female 2,74%
Population: 82.4 million