Overview

• A BearingPoint survey reported by IPPEN.MEDIA finds 80% of companies already estimate a 20% personnel surplus, with projections rising to 30–40% by 2028.
• Despite expected overhangs, demand for expertise outstrips supply, with Bitkom citing about 109,000 open IT roles and 44% of leaders estimating a 40–60% shortage of AI-capable staff.
• AI use is expanding: ifo says 40.9% of German firms now deploy AI in processes, up from 27% a year earlier, and 25% of organizations are scaling AI beyond pilots.
• Germany still trails U.S. adoption rates reported at 60–70%, and experts call out slow uptake in functions like HR even as overall deployment accelerates.
• A Stanford Social Media Lab/BetterUp study distinguishes “Pilots” who refine their work with AI from “Passengers” who produce low-quality “workslop,” reinforcing calls for clear corporate policies, job redesign and targeted training.