Germany’s Job Market Rather Discriminating, Studies Find

Recent findings from various studies indicate a persistent issue of discrimination against non-German and black job seekers in Germany.

Despite the country’s critical shortage of skilled workers, this bias affects both the job application process and the workplace environment.

A YouGov poll, conducted in partnership with job search platform Indeed, highlights the experiences of non-German job seekers. Approximately 37.6% of these individuals reported feeling discriminated against while searching for employment. This number marks a significant increase from 2021, where 15.5% felt this way. The situation seems more acute for recent arrivals, those who have lived in Germany for five years or less, who are more likely to perceive an improvement in job prospects due to the labor shortage.

Discrimination extends beyond the hiring process. Over half (57.6%) of the respondents feel they must work harder than their native German counterparts for the same level of recognition, a steep rise from 37.2% two years ago. This issue isn’t limited to non-German job seekers; a study by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) found that 76% of black individuals in Germany reported experiencing discrimination based on race, origin, or religion in the past five years, the highest rate among the 13 EU countries surveyed.

The challenges for foreign skilled workers are further compounded by hurdles in meeting formal requirements. About 42.9% find official certifications like diplomas and other documents to be the biggest barrier in their job hunt. Additionally, 38.9% feel that native German speakers are favored in job placements, and 38.5% believe that prejudices in HR departments contribute to discriminatory hiring practices.

Despite these issues, the labor shortage in Germany appears to be having a paradoxical effect. Approximately 76% of those surveyed believe their job situation has improved due to the shortage of skilled workers. This sentiment is echoed by 56.8% who feel finding a job has become easier in the past decade. Yet, only 30.3% of long-term residents (15 years or more) share this view.

The need for a more diverse workforce is highlighted by the fact that nearly half of all businesses in Germany were unable to fill skilled worker positions in early 2022. This shortage was more acute in smaller businesses, with 62% of positions remaining vacant compared to 24% in larger firms.

In response, there’s a growing call for more diverse hiring practices. Around 28.6% of those surveyed advocate for a more varied composition of HR departments, including more individuals with a migration background. Similarly, 28% see the potential in anonymous application processes to reduce bias.

The situation underscores a critical need for Germany to address these discriminatory practices, not only to fulfill its labor market needs but also to ensure equitable treatment for all job seekers, regardless of their background or origin.