Everyone in the construction industry is likely aware of the shortage of highly skilled workers in Germany. With an aging population and a growing number of retirees leaving the workforce, the demand for qualified labor is increasing, but at the same time, there aren’t enough qualified individuals to fill these positions. Therefore, many companies are looking for ways to close this skills gap – but why should they be concerned about this problem? What happens if we simply don’t address the skills shortage? What can companies do to mitigate it? Overtec’s parapet system for flat roofs serves as an example , reducing manual labor on construction sites and thus freeing up skilled workers. To better understand these implications, we need to examine topics such as the demographic development of the German workforce and current government regulations regarding the skills shortage in order to identify potential risks employers face due to their heavy reliance on foreign workers.

1. Overview of the skilled worker shortage in Germany

2. Examination of the impact of the skills shortage on the industries

3. Possible solutions to the problem of skilled worker shortage

4. Investigation of long-term solutions to the problem

How overtec’s flat roof parapet counteracts the shortage of skilled workers:

1) Overview of the skilled worker shortage in Germany

The shortage of skilled workers in Germany’s construction industry is alarming. According to the Federal Employment Agency, the number of open positions in the construction sector more than tripled between 2011 and 2019, rising from around 10,000 to over 37,000. Furthermore, a report by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) shows that approximately 37,000 construction positions remained unfilled in the third quarter of 2020. The IAB also indicates that the so-called vacancy period—the average duration a position remains unfilled—is significantly higher in the construction industry at 174 days, compared to the national average of 148 days. This underscores the urgency of the skilled worker shortage in the construction sector in Germany.

It is important that all stakeholders work together to solve the problem and inspire more young people to pursue these professions. Only in this way can Germany maintain its position as a leading economic power and remain competitive in the future.

2) Investigation of the impact of the skilled worker shortage on the construction industry

The skilled labor shortage in the construction industry is having a significant impact on Germany. A lack of skilled workers is causing delays in construction projects, which in turn increases costs. According to the German Construction Industry Federation ( ZDB ), this results in annual losses of around €6 billion for the sector. Furthermore, the shortage of qualified workers is having a detrimental effect on productivity in the construction sector. A study by the German Economic Institute (IW) shows that productivity in the construction industry has increased by only about 0.2% per year since 1991, compared to an increase of 1.6% in the German economy as a whole. This is partly due to the fact that unfilled positions and the lack of qualified workers are limiting efficiency and opportunities for increasing productivity. Finally, the skilled labor shortage is also impacting housing construction: the lack of skilled workers means that not enough housing can be built to meet demand, leading to rising rents and property prices. These effects not only impact the construction industry but also have consequences for society as a whole.

3) Possible solutions to the problem of skilled worker shortage

A) Investments in training and changing the industry’s image

To combat the skilled worker shortage in the construction industry, various measures must be taken. First, educational and career guidance institutions, as well as companies, should do more to inform young people about the attractive career opportunities in construction. It is important that this sector is no longer perceived as a „dirty“ or „undemanding“ profession, but rather as a vital part of society. Furthermore, companies should create incentives to encourage young people to pursue vocational training or university studies in the construction field. This could be achieved through financial support or the introduction of special programs and incentives.

B) Improved working conditions

Another important factor is improving working conditions in the construction industry. This includes, among other things, fair wages and ensuring further training opportunities for employees. Flexible work arrangements such as part-time or home office solutions can also help attract more skilled workers to the industry. Simple product solutions and assembly processes also contribute to these improved working conditions. A flat roof with a parapet from overtec can be installed with simple tools and does not require complex steps such as formwork, rebar bending and reinforcement, concreting, and stripping the formwork of an alternative parapet. In this way, overtec actively contributes to improved working conditions.

C) Government subsidies

Furthermore, the government should take measures to promote housing construction and thus meet the demand for skilled workers. This could be done, for example, through investments in social housing or the provision of subsidies for innovative construction projects.

D) Incentives for women in the construction industry

Another important point is promoting equality in the construction industry. Women are still significantly underrepresented in this sector, despite their great potential and urgent need. It is crucial that women receive targeted support and encouragement to improve their career opportunities in construction. To make construction jobs more attractive to women, work processes, and especially products, need to be lighter. An overtec parapet detail , for example, often weighs less than 40-50 kg per element, allowing it to be lifted by two people.

E) Cooperation between the education and business sectors

To meet the long-term demand for skilled workers, it is essential that educational and career guidance institutions work closely with companies in the construction industry. Only in this way can training content be adapted to the actual requirements of the labor market and young people be specifically prepared for a career in the construction sector.

F) Use of products that require less labor

By using products with a higher degree of prefabrication, manual work on the construction site is specifically reduced, increasing overall efficiency. Among other things, overtec specializes in avoiding unnecessary manual work on the construction site. This means that the parapet on the flat roof can be erected with just a few steps, thus saving time, labor, and skilled workers.

4) Investigation of long-term solutions to the problem

The problem of unnecessary manual steps in product manufacturing is one that exists in many industries. Several approaches exist to solve this problem in the long term. One possibility is to increase the degree of prefabrication. By manufacturing parts and components in a preliminary process, manual steps on-site can be reduced. This reduces the time and energy required for product assembly. The overtec parapet is characterized by a high degree of prefabrication. The greatest added value takes place in the factory, under controlled and consistent conditions. Thus, the only remaining task on the construction site is assembly. As a result, the overtec parapet saves valuable skilled workers time and effort.

It is important that long-term solutions are found to permanently resolve the problem. Ultimately, we all want cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing for the future.

Summary

The skilled labor shortage in Germany is an increasingly pressing problem with potentially devastating consequences if left unaddressed. Identifying the root causes and finding solutions is a complex undertaking. Hiring less qualified workers or developing long-term training programs carries risks, but the costs of inaction could ultimately be far higher. Successfully navigating this challenging situation requires understanding the reasons for the severe shortage of skilled labor and finding solutions that address both short-term needs and long-term potential. Every supplier in the construction industry has a responsibility to counteract this problem. overtec addresses this challenge through its parapet product design, which minimizes on-site labor.

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