A recent study by professional services firm EY, surveying 2,000 German employees, reveals a complex picture of workforce motivation and job satisfaction. While a considerable 72% of respondents describe themselves as motivated, the proportion identifying as “highly motivated” remains comparatively low at 18%, a slight increase of one percentage point from 2023 but significantly below levels seen in prior years. In 2021, 28% of employees reported high motivation, while 42% felt that way in 2019.
Job satisfaction also reflects a similar trend. Only 34% of those surveyed express full satisfaction with their work situation, marking a three percentage point rise from 2023. Conversely, 15% currently consider themselves “rather dissatisfied” or “dissatisfied” with their professional circumstances, a decrease of two percentage points compared to the previous year.
Jan-Rainer Hinz, EY’s Director of Workforce Solutions, highlighted the potential economic repercussions of reduced employee motivation. He warned that untapped potential can lead to short- and medium-term losses in revenue for businesses, potentially reaching billions of euros. Furthermore, he cautioned of a long-term risk of losing skilled employees, as those persistently dissatisfied with their workplaces are likely to seek alternative opportunities.
Leadership roles consistently demonstrate the highest levels of motivation; 67% of top managers identify as “highly motivated” a substantial 22 percentage point increase since 2023. Public sector employees show notably higher motivation, with 24% reporting high motivation, exceeding the overall average. In contrast, only 17% of employees within the private sector, associations and other institutions express similar levels of enthusiasm.