Trade unions as a key against overqualification: This is how you benefit!

Trade unions as a key against overqualification: This is how you benefit!

In today's working world, overqualification is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. An exciting study from the University of Trier highlights that union members are less likely to suffer from overqualification than their non-organized colleagues. The analysis includes longitudinal data from over 33,000 people collected since 1984. According to the results, union members are 15.2 percent less likely to be overqualified for their positions than non-union members. This could be due to several factors, including better information about avoiding overqualification and a stronger bargaining position in collective bargaining, as 5Vier reports.

The significance of this issue becomes particularly clear when you consider that, according to the OECD, 18.8 percent of employees in Germany were overqualified in 2022. This shows the extent of the problem, which is often accompanied by dissatisfaction, declining motivation and underpayment. In addition, the union offers members better working conditions and higher salaries, which not only increases satisfaction but also promotes fairer pay.

What is overqualification?

But what exactly does overqualification actually mean? According to Digital Institute, overqualification occurs when employees have more qualifications and skills than are required for their current position. A variety of employee groups are particularly affected, including college graduates in jobs that do not match their skills. Overqualification can be divided into two categories: primary, where formal education trumps job requirements, and secondary, where there is an imbalance between actual skills and requirements.

If you look a little closer, you will see that overqualification has increased in recent decades. One reason for this could be the increasing number of university graduates who are finding jobs in the labor market that often do not require the necessary qualifications. Technological developments and globalization are also constantly changing workplace requirements.

The pros and cons of overqualification

But as is often the case, there are also positive aspects: Overqualified employees can often cover a broader range of tasks and adapt better to changes. They not only bring more experience, but also fresh perspectives to the company. But there is also the dark side. Many overqualified employees feel under-challenged, which can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. This can have negative consequences such as higher fluctuation and reduced productivity, as the analysis shows.

• 2014 gaben nur 14 % der Erwerbstätigen an, dass ihre Qualifikation dem Job entspricht.
• Dabei waren 11,8 % überqualifiziert, und nur 2,1 % unterqualifiziert.
• Männer berichteten häufiger von einer adäquaten Qualifikation als Frauen.
• Besonders hoch war der Anteil an Überqualifizierten bei Hilfsarbeitskräften mit über 36,2 %.

A smart strategy for dealing with overqualification could be for employees to actively work on their development and have open conversations with their employers. At the same time, companies should rethink their hiring processes and promote adult training opportunities, as the Federal Statistical Office suggests.

If there is more discussion about these issues and solutions are found, it could significantly improve the situation for many employees. It remains exciting to see how the working environment will develop in the coming years and what role unions can play in this.