This is the finding of a survey of 202 German industrial companies with ten or more employees conducted by the personnel service provider Randstad . Lack of personnel is a pressing issue for most of those surveyed, accounting for 91% of responses. A well-known and popular company name thus no longer suffices to attract applicants. Other factors such as a good salary or additional social benefits are necessary. According to Dr. Christoph Kahlenberg of Randstad, however, German companies are in a predicament. As he sees it, Germany's industry is mostly situated in the high-end segment. Although this makes it less sensitive to price fluctuations and it can increase wages if necessary, on the other hand, since high-end production requires skilled workers, companies are left with virtually no alternative to raising salaries.

In its 2018 economic survey, the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce ( DIHK ) had already pointed out the risks that the shortage of skilled workers could entail. These included an additional burdening of the existing workforce and a possible reduction in supply. Entrepreneurial innovation potential could also suffer.