The ecological transformation of the German economy is changing demand on the labour market. As new survey results from the RWI show, many employees expect that they will have to expand their skills as a result of this transformation. In the past two years, however, the ecological transformation has not played a major role in career changes from the perspective of those surveyed. Over 60 per cent of respondents also believe that the ecological transformation of the economy should be accelerated. …
Essen/Germany, 7 February 2025. … These are the findings of a survey conducted by the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research in September and October 2024 as part of the ‘Socio-Ecological Panel – Continuation and Further Development’ project funded by the E.ON Foundation.
The key points in brief:
– When asked about Germany’s biggest current challenges, the topic of ‘environment and climate change’ came first (mentioned by 38 per cent). This was followed by ‘The economic situation’ (32 per cent), ‘Immigration’ (32 per cent), ‘The international security situation’ (23 per cent) and ‘Inflation’ (19 per cent).
– In terms of job security, 19 per cent of respondents consider the ecological transformation of the economy to be ‘very threatening’ or ‘somewhat threatening’. This puts the assessment of the ecological transformation as a risk to one’s own job well behind a general economic slump (mentioned by 51 per cent of respondents), energy prices (33 per cent) and international competition (26 per cent).
– Of those who have changed jobs, professions or places of residence or taken part in further training in the past 24 months, only 1.4 per cent cite the ecological transformation as a reason. By contrast, the most important motives are more fulfilment in the job and better pay (40 per cent each) as well as generally better working conditions (31 per cent).
– Only a minority of respondents expect the ecological transformation to have a concrete impact on their own professional life: within the next 24 months, 4 per cent of them expect to undergo retraining or further training, 4 per cent expect to change jobs, 3 per cent expect to change their place of residence and 2 per cent expect to change careers. Compared to the previous frequency of such career changes, however, these expectations represent a significant increase in reorientation as a result of the ecological transformation.
– 10 percent of those surveyed expect their skills to be less in demand on the labour market in future as a result of the ecological transformation. In contrast, 42 per cent expect their skills to be in greater demand in the future. In addition, a majority (56 per cent) assume that they will have to acquire new skills.
– People who assume that they need to acquire new skills expect more information (59 and 61 per cent respectively) and offers (59 and 40 per cent respectively) from their employer or the state. At 65 per cent, the vast majority of respondents would like further training to take place during working hours. Financial support is expected by 54 per cent of respondents from employers rather than the state, from which 40 per cent of respondents still expect financial support.
– The vast majority of respondents (84 per cent) also agree with the statement that planning security should be increased in the ecological restructuring of the economy. And over 60 per cent of respondents believe that the ecological restructuring of the economy should be accelerated. In contrast, only 16 per cent agree with the statement that the ecological restructuring of the economy should be slowed down.
– The results are based on an online survey of 4,040 people from the forsa.omninet panel. This is representative of the German-speaking population of internet users in Germany. The respondents were at least 22 years old.
‘The ecological transition is changing the labour market. Many employees recognise this and expect challenges from the transformation as a whole. However, the majority consider the risk of negative consequences for their own workplace to be low,’ says Christina Vonnahme, head of the RWI/IAB junior research group “Ecological Transformation, Labour Market, Education and Training”. ‘Our study results also make it clear that employees want support from both their employer and the state.’
‘Many job profiles will change significantly as a result of the ecological transformation,’ emphasises Ronald Bachmann, Head of RWI’s “Labour Markets, Education, Population” competence area. ‘Employees in these areas will not necessarily have to give up their jobs as a result of the ecological transformation. However, they will not be able to do so without making an effort. Regular further training will play a key role here. Suitable programmes and the willingness of employees to participate are crucial here.’
Original publication:
(https://www.rwi-essen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/RWI/Publikationen/RWI_Materialien/rwi-materialien_170.pdf)
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