Work - Made in Germany
BDA AGENDA 04/26 | Special feature of the week | February 19, 2026
Work – Made in Germany
Good work doesn’t happen by chance
German companies invest €46.4 billion every year in training their employees – more than any other country in Europe. Workplace accidents are at a historic low. Nine out of ten employees are satisfied with their jobs. Not because this happens by coincidence, but because employers work on it every single day.
The new website “Work – Made in Germany” shows, based on more than 100 sources, how companies in Germany shape work – and what they need in order to continue doing so.
What employers deliver – in concrete terms
German companies finance 34% of social insurance contributions, from pensions and healthcare to long-term care. Yet their contribution goes far beyond that.
Fair pay and security
Alongside collectively agreed wages and statutory benefits, many companies offer occupational pensions, health programmes and additional voluntary extras.
Effective health and safety
85% of small businesses now carry out risk assessments – to say nothing of larger firms. Early retirement due to health reasons has fallen by 44% since 1995. In an EU comparison, Germany is among the safest places to work.
Flexibility with structure
Home office, flexitime, part-time arrangements – not as concessions, but as competitive advantages. Companies that create flexibility remain successful, retain skilled workers and increase productivity.
Training as a core mission
93% of companies actively upskill their employees. At a time when digitalisation and AI are transforming entire job profiles, this is their contribution to lifelong learning.
Diversity as a skill‑shortage strategy
Companies are deliberately tapping into new potential and welcoming everyone – by better integrating women, older workers, and people with disabilities or a migration background.
Honest assessment rather than glossing over
Yes, there are challenges. The shortage of skilled workers is slowing growth. Bureaucracy ties up resources that should be flowing into innovation. Social insurance contributions are approaching the 42% mark. And digital infrastructure cannot keep pace with the speed of business.
That is precisely why it is important to focus on what works and build on it – instead of jeopardising it through misguided regulation.
What policymakers must do now
For companies to continue shaping good work in the future, they don’t need new burdens – they need clear priorities. These include:
- Modernise working time: Allow weekly working-time models instead of rigid daily rules – so flexibility doesn’t fail because of outdated laws.
- Cap social contributions: The contribution burden must not permanently exceed the 40% mark, or Germany will lose its competitiveness.
- Accelerate digitalisation: Fewer reporting obligations, more digital public administration, faster approval procedures.
- Simplify skilled‑labour immigration: Speed up visa procedures, recognise foreign qualifications more quickly, reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
The complete overview
The website “Work – Made in Germany” brings together data, analyses and policy demands into a comprehensive picture. For everyone who wants to understand what work in Germany really looks like – beyond headlines and clichés.
Work – Made in Germany
Good work doesn’t happen by chance
German companies invest €46.4 billion every year in training their employees – more than any other country in Europe. Workplace accidents are at a historic low. Nine out of ten employees are satisfied with their jobs. Not because this happens by coincidence, but because employers work on it every single day.
The new website “Work – Made in Germany” shows, based on more than 100 sources, how companies in Germany shape work – and what they need in order to continue doing so.
What employers deliver – in concrete terms
German companies finance 34% of social insurance contributions, from pensions and healthcare to long-term care. Yet their contribution goes far beyond that.
Fair pay and security
Alongside collectively agreed wages and statutory benefits, many companies offer occupational pensions, health programmes and additional voluntary extras.
Effective health and safety
85% of small businesses now carry out risk assessments – to say nothing of larger firms. Early retirement due to health reasons has fallen by 44% since 1995. In an EU comparison, Germany is among the safest places to work.
Flexibility with structure
Home office, flexitime, part-time arrangements – not as concessions, but as competitive advantages. Companies that create flexibility remain successful, retain skilled workers and increase productivity.
Training as a core mission
93% of companies actively upskill their employees. At a time when digitalisation and AI are transforming entire job profiles, this is their contribution to lifelong learning.
Diversity as a skill‑shortage strategy
Companies are deliberately tapping into new potential and welcoming everyone – by better integrating women, older workers, and people with disabilities or a migration background.
Honest assessment rather than glossing over
Yes, there are challenges. The shortage of skilled workers is slowing growth. Bureaucracy ties up resources that should be flowing into innovation. Social insurance contributions are approaching the 42% mark. And digital infrastructure cannot keep pace with the speed of business.
That is precisely why it is important to focus on what works and build on it – instead of jeopardising it through misguided regulation.
What policymakers must do now
For companies to continue shaping good work in the future, they don’t need new burdens – they need clear priorities. These include:
Modernise working time: Allow weekly working-time models instead of rigid daily rules – so flexibility doesn’t fail because of outdated laws.
Cap social contributions: The contribution burden must not permanently exceed the 40% mark, or Germany will lose its competitiveness.
Accelerate digitalisation: Fewer reporting obligations, more digital public administration, faster approval procedures.
Simplify skilled‑labour immigration: Speed up visa procedures, recognise foreign qualifications more quickly, reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
The complete overview
The website “Work – Made in Germany” brings together data, analyses and policy demands into a comprehensive picture. For everyone who wants to understand what work in Germany really looks like – beyond headlines and clichés.
→ WORK – MADE IN GERMANY – How employers shape good work
