Overview

• A new EY survey reveals that 56% of German employees think the country's competitiveness has worsened in the last five years, while only 12% see improvement.
• The survey highlights a generational divide, with nearly 60% of workers under 35 optimistic about Germany's economic future, compared to just 43% of those aged 36 to 65.
• Key challenges identified by respondents include excessive bureaucracy, high energy costs, and a shortage of skilled workers.
• Germany’s strengths, according to employees, lie in its skilled labor force, high quality of life, and stable political environment.
• The findings come as Germany faces broader economic pressures, including stagnation forecasts and increasing insolvencies, raising concerns about its industrial viability.