Observed Signal · Sep 7, 2026 · Report Release · Source: Manager Magazin · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Germany's skilled worker shortage could double by 2029, study says
A study by the German Economic Institute (IW) projects that the shortage of skilled workers in Germany could nearly double to around 723,000 unfilled positions by 2029, up from about 370,000 in 2025. The sectors most affected are expected to be retail sales, childcare, social work, healthcare, and electrical engineering. The study attributes this trend to an aging workforce, insufficient domestic and international labor supply, and a potential economic recovery that could increase demand. The findings highlight a growing challenge for the German labor market, with significant implications for industries reliant on skilled labor.
Relates to general skilled labor shortage, not specific to AdTech/MarTech, but may indirectly affect talent availability.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- IW projects 723,000 skilled worker shortage in Germany by 2029
- Shortage in 2025 was approximately 370,000
- Retail sales expected to have largest gap of 39,100 unfilled positions
- Childcare and education facing 29,900 unfilled positions
- Study based on data through end of 2024, forecasting to 2029
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