A recent study by consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY) reveals that less than half of Germany’s workforce (48%) feels motivated at work, which is below the global average of 54%.
The most motivated employees are older, from the baby boomer generation (63%), while only 43% of Generation Z workers report feeling motivated.
In comparison to Germany, countries like France (37%), the Netherlands (36%), and Japan (19%) show even lower motivation levels. However, nations such as the U.S. (57%), China (59%), and India (67%) surpass Germany in work motivation.
The study also found that employee satisfaction in Germany is low. Only 44% of Germans would recommend their employer to friends, a figure that is also below the global average. Additionally, 42% of Germans are considering changing jobs, with men more likely to make the switch than women. Only India and France have higher rates of job turnover contemplation. Employment expert Nelson Taapken remarked, “If motivation is higher in India and China, where people work under much harsher conditions than in Germany, it’s time to reflect—not only for society but also for employers.”
Taapken emphasized that while it is unrealistic to expect high motivation every day, consistent demotivation can become a serious issue. He believes that many factors contributing to low motivation, such as poor corporate culture, communication gaps, and stress from heavy workloads, can be addressed through internal reforms within companies.
