Working in a foreign country is an exciting yet confusing experience for young talents and expats. When working abroad, you should leave no stone unturned to inhibit any possible bad outcomes. Germany has broad job opportunities and employment rights. This article will help you figure out what kind of working life awaits you in Germany. Get ready to get the lowdown about a career in Germany!
Working Life in Germany
Change is always tricky. That’s why it’s normal to struggle in the beginning when you move to Germany. But don’t worry, Germany is famous for its well-balanced working life, which is strictly regulated by the German Employment Law. Extensive social benefits are among the most important reasons to expats prefer working in Germany. Government necessitates employers to grant social benefits for employees such as:
- Mandatory health insurance
- Unemployment benefits
- Child benefits such as free kindergartens or allowances
- Retirement pensions
Weekly Working Hours in Germany
If work-life balance is important, you will like working in Germany. While there are different laws regarding working hours in various states, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) data, the average weekly working hours in Germany are 34.2 hours. Like in many other countries, a regular working day lasts 8 hours in Germany. However, daily working hours can be prolonged up to 10 hours per day in some cases.
Working Atmosphere in Germany
Germany has a professional business environment thanks to its highly educated and competent workforce; therefore, professionalism and discipline are some of the core elements of German working culture. The working atmosphere may vary depending on your workplace. For instance, if you work in a riskier environment such as construction sites, factories, or mines then you should be prepared for thoroughly implemented occupational health and safety measures.
- Dress code: Dress code in Germany varies depending on the company culture; however, companies are flexible thanks to hybrid working systems.
- Career Development: German companies provide vocational training to their employees to help them develop and increase employee engagement in the long term.
- Language Barriers: German is the primary working language at most companies; however, English is widely spoken, so the better you know German.
Annual Leaves in Germany
Vacation days are regulated by the German Federal Holidays Act, and even seasonal workers are entitled to paid leave. If you work five days a week, you can take a minimum of 20 vacation days, and if you work six days a week, you are granted at least 24 vacation days per year. However, yearly vacation days may vary across the sector in which you work. You can enjoy long summer holidays or Christmas breaks to travel back home or discover new destinations.
This content is provided solely for general informational purposes and does not encompass all details. Maxi Digital GmbH disclaims any responsibility for ensuring the currency and accuracy of the content. It is recommended to refer to official sources for the most current and reliable information.
