In a lively panel discussion with representatives from business, education and politics, various perspectives and solutions to the acute shortage of skilled workers were discussed this evening in Radebeul. The discussion revealed a variety of topics and challenges, but also innovative ideas that have the potential to change the world of work in Saxony in the long term.
Topic 1: Education and training
Max Jankowsky, Managing Director of Gießerei Lößnitz GmbH and President of the Chemnitz Chamber of Industry and Commerce, emphasized the urgency of tackling the shortage of 300,000 skilled workers by 2030 by focusing more on STEM subjects and adapting the content of education to the realities of life. He also appealed for more confidence and self-assurance in Saxony. "Why does TSMC believe in Saxony, but Saxony doesn't believe in itself?" he asked, emphasizing the need for motivation and belief in one's own strengths. All participants agreed that these are definitely present in Saxony.
Amy Kirchhoff, Chairwoman of the State Student Council in Saxony, is a representative of Generation Z and pointed out the importance of mental health and practical experience in the education system. "Give education meaning, then the children will learn too," she said and called for more internships and a more direct dialog between politics, business and students.
Topic 2: Labour market and business
The discussion about working conditions revealed clear differences in perception between the generations. Marko König, Managing Director of EZG eG, appealed to young people to critically question their work-life balance and to recognize the importance of hard work and ambition. Sylvia Pfefferkorn from the association "Wirtschaft für ein weltoffenes Sachsen" emphasized the role of entrepreneurs in society, saying that they are the ones pulling the carts and the need to view skilled trades in a more positive light.
Theme 3: Technology and innovation
König rejected the idea that employees could stay in the job market for longer, saying that it was often not possible to work beyond the age of 60, especially in physically demanding professions.
At the same time, it was repeatedly said that new technologies and innovations would be an important key to overcoming the challenges. Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Martin Dulig, said that the current crisis gives us an incredible opportunity to develop innovations. Simply because we have to now.
Although not explicitly addressed, there is untapped potential in the use of exoskeletons to support physically strenuous work, for example. These could help to improve working conditions and keep older and physically impaired people in the work process for longer and allow them to draw on their expertise for longer. Such support systems are already being tested in the care sector.
Topic 4: Flexible working models
In the discussion about the shortage of skilled workers, the idea of a 4-day week has also come to the fore, a discussion that seems to have been unfavorably framed so far. If the employee market favors this form of working week, viable solutions must be developed. There are certainly practicable models: for example, extending the working day to 10 hours could enable four working days per week without changing the total weekly working hours. Another option could be the restructuring of three shift operations into two 12-hour shifts, which would even allow a 3-day week, based on a 36-hour week. To cover the entire week from Monday to Friday, different teams could work from Monday to Thursday and from Tuesday to Friday. Such models could not only contribute to solving the shortage of skilled workers, but also improve job satisfaction and work-life balance by allowing employees longer periods of continuous leisure time.
Topic 5: Policy and framework conditions
Martin Dulig addressed the part-time quota in Saxony and the need for policymakers to create framework conditions that enable entrepreneurship and promote innovation. The discussion showed that close cooperation between all social stakeholders is necessary in order to position Saxony as an attractive place to work.
Conclusion
The panel discussion in Saxony made it clear that the shortage of skilled workers is a complex problem that requires a variety of solutions. Education, the integration of technology into the world of work, flexible working time models and a reassessment of social values and attitudes are key elements that need to be addressed. The use of exoskeletons and the discussion about a 4-day week are examples of innovative approaches that should be pursued further in Saxony to effectively combat the skills shortage and make the state strong for the future.
