A significant three-quarters of German companies include flexible working hours in their job postings, according to a survey published on Wednesday by Randstad and the Ifo Institute.
“In the face of the labor and skilled labor shortage, companies must be attractive to applicants” said Ifo researcher Daria Schaller. Flexible working hours played a central role in this, with service providers (78 percent) placing a strong emphasis on this, followed by the retail sector with 72 percent. Large companies are more likely to offer flexible working hours than small firms.
In addition to flexible working hours, 68 percent of companies also offer further training. Large companies are more likely to do so, at a rate of 85 percent, while small firms offer it at a rate of 58 percent. Additional offers such as a job ticket, a canteen, or sports facilities follow in third place, with 60 percent of companies offering them. Large companies are more likely to do so, at a rate of 89 percent, while small firms are less likely, at a rate of 37 percent.
About a third of companies also offer the option of a flexible work location (34 percent). The retail sector is less likely to offer this, at a rate of 20 percent, compared to the industry (35 percent) and service providers (39 percent). Only 32 percent of companies place a strong emphasis on above-average pay. The options of a “sabbatical” (12 percent), a four-day week (11 percent), or a “workation” (5 percent) play a relatively minor role for now.