The unemployment rate in Germany right now is a mere 3.6%. Compare that to the European Union’s overall unemployment rate of 7.6%, and it’s easy to see that Germany’s economy is booming.
More people are flocking to Germany for their opportunities and benefits — everyone from college graduates to workers close to retiring. If you’re considering starting your own business, even better. Germany is one of the best countries to form your own startup. And considering the many benefits of learning German as a language, there’s never been a better time to make the move.
Job Availability And Wages
Germany has many benefits for their employees, particularly more so than other countries. For one, the minimum wage in Germany is projected to rise through the years as Europe’s largest economy. Germany’s economy is experiencing a profound success right now in the international market, meaning there are good paying jobs everywhere around the country. This is good news for everyone from graduates fresh out of college looking for their first jobs to senior workers looking to relocate, especially considering the many benefits of working later in life. It’s never too late to make a career change or live in a different country, especially if you’re considering setting up your own business.
The German government is very open to the establishment of all types of businesses – no matter if they are domestic or foreign. Small business is a big reason why Germany’s economy is thriving. The small businesses are the backbone of the economy, which helps explain why 99% of German businesses are small to medium sized. Germany is one of the only countries in Europe boasts that kind of percentile and is especially welcome to new and innovative business models. If you’re looking to form your own startup, Germany is your country of choice.
Worker’s Benefits
German employment laws are generally more favorable to workers, especially their termination protection, collective bargaining agreements, and holidays. German workers are entitled to paid maternity leave, often lasting more than a year. They are also entitled to sick pay for up to 6 weeks, with an additional 6 weeks available if necessary. Vacation pay in Germany is protected by law to be at least 4 weeks per year, which is leagues ahead of other nations around the world. And social security payments are mandatory by law as well. Germany’s worker benefits are substantial in regards to other countries. As an added perk, most rural sections of Germany have no speed limit. It’s not unsafe either, considering it was based on accident experience, congestion, and other factors.
Working Hours And Ages
The working hours in Germany are particularly flexible. Most working hours are confined to Monday through Friday, with retail stores making exceptions for the weekends. Sundays are generally considered days off for everyone, with the only exceptions being bakeries and petrol stations. What differentiates Germany is that by the law, “Ladenschlussgesetz” (Shop Closing Law), stores have strict times they are allowed to be open and closed, meaning that very few employees are overworked or demanded to work overtime hours. German workers are known for working less but producing more.
In some parts of Germany, kids can start working at age 13, but that’s rare and only in situations with parental permission. The labor laws generally extend to children aged 15-18. What makes Germany’s youth labor laws progressive is that it forbids teenagers from working any jobs that can endanger their physical or mental health. And after any given shift, youths must be given a 12-hour break. They are also generally not allowed to work the weekends.
All in all, there are many reasons to consider moving to Germany for work. You’re bound to find a job with their low unemployment rate, the worker benefits are numerous, and working hours are flexible and forgiving. If you instead have ambitions to start your own business, there couldn’t be a better country to move to. Workers of all ages will find a welcoming and helpful community to start, grow, and retire in.