Weak economy, no shortage of skilled workers?

The shortage of skilled workers has not been solved, it has just become quieter.

Based on current analyses by BR, the ifo Institute and the Federal Employment Agency.

A strategic view of the labor market

Fewer new hires, less fluctuation, fewer applications. Many companies are experiencing this moment as a relaxation - but the picture is distorted.

A recent report by Bayerischer Rundfunk shows: The economic slowdown is masking the structural bottlenecks in the labor market. Instead of real easing, we are experiencing a kind of pseudo-rest - a pause, not a solution.

‍

"The shortage is only concealed - not solved." Bayerischer Rundfunk, March 2025

What does this mean for HR managers?

THE ECONOMY IS DECEPTIVE

Right now - in the phase of relative calm - is the best time to review recruiting structures and plan strategically.

Why?

• Because there is time to think.
• Because budgets can be planned.
• Because competitive advantages arise.

What we are observing: In discussions with companies, we are currently seeing two very different strategies.

‍‍

Some press pause

They postpone recruiting initiatives and hope for clarity. But they lose valuable weeks in which structures and reach could have been established.

‍‍

The others actively use the phase

They optimize their processes, digitalize their workflows and work with partners who deliver speed and quality. This allows them to act faster and more purposefully in the next upswing - and less dependent on daily pressure.

‍‍

In Bavaria, the number of unfilled vacancies fell from 157,400 (2023) to 133,600 - a decrease of around 15 %. Sounds like an improvement. In fact, it is the effect of a weak economy - not a better supply of skilled workers.

(Source: German Economic Institute for BR24)

‍

If you are too slow today, you will be without people tomorrow

This applies not only to the peak - but right now. The companies that position themselves today will make faster decisions and fill positions better tomorrow.

WorkerHero ensures that recruiting does not become a traffic jam

We bring speed, structure and clarity to recruitment - especially where it counts: for specialists that others have long been looking for and for roles that can't wait.

No consulting, no job exchange, no gut feeling - just a system that delivers: measurable, plannable, ready for immediate use.

‍

Figures & advantages at a glance

• 650,000+ certified specialists in the WorkerHero talent pool - active, available, ready for action
• Ø 6-8 qualified candidate proposals ("picks") until successful recruitment
• No flood of applicants, but clean, checked profiles with a complete CV and availabilities
• 27 days time-to-hire on average - from demand to hiring
• Multilingual platform, international recruitment included
• 150+ channels through which we specifically activate talent
• Clear processes & fast feedback - with a 48-hour decision path on request
• Focus on blue & grey collar roles where every week counts

‍

WORKERHERO AT A GLANCE

STANDING STILL IS NOT A STRATEGY

How quickly would you be ready if the situation changed tomorrow?

It's not just about speeding up processes. It's about remaining capable of acting - in any market environment. The best results are achieved where structure meets courage.

‍

Success Story: HelloFresh

"Thanks to the strategic recruiting campaign in collaboration with WorkerHero, a total of 42 hand-picked applicants were identified in just 2 months. After successfully completing the interview phase, 26 of these applicants are already in the recruitment process to fill important positions at HelloFresh."