Even amid a recession, many Germans are not hesitating to leave their jobs when expectations aren’t met, according to the newly released Work Relationship Barometer 2025 by Dutch HR firm Randstad. The international study, which covers 35 countries, highlights growing dissatisfaction among German workers—especially with workplace culture.
Analysts from Randstad’s German division point to a rising trend: toxic work environments are playing a larger role in employees’ decisions to walk away from their jobs.
Here are the top five reasons Germans are handing in their resignations:
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Low salary
The most frequently cited reason was inadequate pay—mentioned by 37% of respondents. Compared to the previous year, this concern jumped by 12 percentage points, reflecting a heightened sensitivity to compensation. -
Toxic company culture
Close behind, 36% of participants said poor management, bullying (mobbing), and unreasonable demands from employers pushed them to consider leaving. This was the most sharply rising factor, up by 16 percentage points since 2024. -
Poor work-life balance
For 33% of workers, the inability to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life was a major issue. This reason saw an 8-point increase, showing growing demand for flexibility and boundaries. -
Loss of trust
28% pointed to a breakdown in trust between employees and employers. As Randstad’s Verena Menne explained, “Many employers underestimate how crucial trust and respect are for employees.” -
Broken promises
Unkept commitments regarding improved working conditions were cited by 27% of those surveyed. This category also rose by 8 percentage points, underlining employee frustration with unmet expectations.
The study underscores a shift in workplace values among German employees. While pay still matters, factors like respect, transparency, and a healthy environment are increasingly central to job satisfaction.
