Start-ups are desperately looking for employees

German tech startups are feeling the effects of the shortage of skilled workers in particular. On average, they have five unfilled positions.

A survey by the digital association Bitkom shows that tech startups in Germany are currently looking for employees. The study surveyed around 150 German tech startups. On average, the startups have 20 employees. Eight out of ten of the companies surveyed are currently planning new hires.

Some positions are currently unfilled. "The lack of qualified workers is becoming the number one obstacle to growth," says Bitkom President Achim Berg. Around two-thirds of startups said they currently have vacancies. "Every fifth job at startups is currently vacant, which is dramatic," Berg said. That is significantly more than a year ago, when there were only three vacancies on average, he added.

The digital association states that start-ups have lost their staff to medium-sized and established companies. In order to meet the demand for skilled workers from startups, it would require a more attractive design of employee equity participation. According to Bitkom, IT specialists from Russia and Belarus could also help to meet staffing needs.

The fact that startups are looking for skilled workers despite the economic situation is a good sign, he said.

"However, the aggressive workforce planning shows that tech startups are optimistic about the future," says Berg.