In an article last week, the Handelsblatt called attention to a recent problem: unemployment among young people, especially those, who have an excellent education and still can’t find a job. In Germany the unemployment rate amongst young people is 50 percent higher than amongst adults. Compared to other european countries, Germany is still in the best position: 11 percent of 15 to 24-year-olds in Germany are unemployed. In Spain the number increases to 38 percent and to 23 percent in Sweden.
Ironically, unemployment often hits those, who have a perfect résumé: stays abroad, internships and multiple languages. However, according to an expert from the Max-Planck Institute, these young people lack one important requirement: experience. University degrees don’t prepare young people for the job market, he claims. Especially those with a migration background and few knowledge of the German language have problems finding a job, despite their university degree. This situation leads to a state of constant insecurity for young people. 72 percent worry about their financial situation in the future. Henkel helps young people to gain real experience in internships. Further, employees are supported by individual programs. Not to mention, that international talents are more than welcome at Henkel. [DE]
Posts Tagged ‘Beruf’
Diversity & Inclusion
Smartphones, mobiles and laptops: electronic tags? / Smartphones, Handys und Laptops: elektronische Fußfesseln?
Friday, July 23rd, 2010 by Astrid Bosten
We have reached the point of total availability. We are working in international teams within different time zones. This is made possible by electronic communication devices. Smartphones and laptops allow us to have flexible working hours. But for many employees their phones and laptops have become an electronic tag.
The Wirtschaftswoche asked several companies how available their employees are. Adidas equipped its 40.000 employees with 3.500 smartphones and 16.000 laptops to guarantee their availability during their free time. Also the insurance company Allianz equipped all of its managers with smartphones. At IBM working hours are completely flexible. The employees decide by themselves, how and when they work on a project. For Henkel it is important that employees use their leisure time and holidays for recreation. However, in some urgent cases, managers need to be contacted off the job. In this case, special schedules arrange who can be contacted.
It is an alarming fact that the number of mental health problems has increased. The productivity and creativity of an employee suffer under a constant state of pressure. Perhaps it won’t harm to shut off the mobile after work. [DE]
