Germany Faces Escalating Workforce Shortages as Baby Boomers Near Retirement

Critical sectors like public transport and logistics brace for severe labor deficits, with nearly half of workers in some roles aged 55 and older.

The retirement of the Baby Boomer generation is expected to significantly worsen Germany's existing labor shortages, particularly in essential industries.
In 2023, 44% of bus and streetcar drivers were 55 or older, compared to 25% of workers across all professions, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Other professions facing high retirement risk include truck drivers (39% aged 55+), tunnel and road maintenance workers (33%), and roles in fields like construction and agriculture.
Public transportation systems are already reducing service frequencies due to staff shortages, with experts predicting further disruptions as retirements increase.
Private and public employers in affected sectors are under pressure to address the growing gap in skilled labor, which could impact critical services like school transportation and freight logistics.