Additional benefits in job advertisements are booming: What employers offer!

Additional benefits in job advertisements are booming: What employers offer!

In today's fast-paced working world, it's no longer just about the monthly salary. More and more employers in Germany are relying on additional benefits to attract the best talent. A current analysis by the Bertelsmann Foundation shows that the average number of additional benefits in job advertisements has increased to nine - almost three times as many as five years ago. These benefits have become a crucial factor, particularly in the competition for skilled workers. Radioguetersloh reports that companies primarily rely on special payments, company pension schemes and flexible working hours.

The survey is based on the evaluation of 34 million online job advertisements between 2019 and 2024. What is particularly noticeable is that employers are focusing on well-trained specialists and managers who can expect up to eleven benefits per position on average. In contrast, helpers without the appropriate qualifications only receive eight additional benefits. It also shows that family-friendly offers and health promotion are often missing, especially for employees in less qualified positions.

Competition for talent and the role of additional benefits

The search for new employees is challenging for many companies due to the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. Employers increasingly need to differentiate themselves in order to not only attract applicants, but also to retain them. Almost every second job advertised mentions further training opportunities, while 37% of advertisements also emphasize development prospects such as opportunities for advancement and a secure job. Stern points out that flextime, home office and trusted working hours are now almost standard, which underlines the flexibility of the working world.

Nevertheless, there is still little talk about salaries in many job advertisements. Experts are calling for more transparency when it comes to compensation, especially in industries where pay is traditionally lower. This could help attract suitable applicants and increase the application rate. The survey also found that demand for workers continues to decline, according to the Indeed Labor Market Index. Employers are more cautious about hiring new employees and are still reflecting the decline in demand for work, especially in high-paying professions. Economic forecasts for 2025 point to growth of just 0.8%, adding to labor market uncertainties. Unemployment currently remains at a moderate level of 5.9%. Hiringlab emphasizes that there is a decline, especially in the knowledge economy.

A look into the future

The job market is facing major challenges. Demographic changes and the trend towards increasing flexibility require a rethinking of human resources policy. Competition for the best workers remains intense and while the number of benefits offered has increased, there are still some shortcomings in terms of more transparent salary structures. Employers and employees must orient themselves in the new reality in order not to lose touch in the changing work environment.