40% of German workers believe they will be unable to continue working until the statutory retirement age, according to a survey by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). The findings, based on responses from knapp 28,000 employees between 2022 and 2026, highlight concerns among workers in physically and psychologically demanding professions such as plumbing, healthcare, and construction.
The DGB survey, obtained by Funke Mediengruppe, found that 53% of respondents believe they can work without restrictions until retirement, while 40% expect to leave their jobs prematurely. In sectors like plumbing, 72% of workers anticipate being unable to continue until retirement age, compared to 71% in healthcare and 67% in elderly care. These figures underscore the strain of high physical demands, constant time pressure, and noise exposure, which the DGB says are key factors in workers’ pessimism.
DGB-Chefin Yasmin Fahimi called the results “a bitter finding” and urged the government to address workplace conditions before raising the retirement age. “The goal must be to keep people healthy until the statutory retirement age,” she said, adding that prolonged work without improved conditions could force workers to retire prematurely and face financial penalties.
Why it matters
The survey comes as Germany’s government considers raising the retirement age to align with increasing life expectancy. A recent recommendation from the Rentenkommission proposed tying the retirement age to longer lifespans, a move supported by the Union and SPD coalition. However, the DGB argues that improving workplace conditions is a prerequisite for any such policy change.
The findings reflect a tension between demographic pressures and labor market realities. With an aging population, Germany faces pressure to keep older workers in the workforce. Yet the survey suggests many in physically demanding jobs may not be able to do so under current conditions, raising questions about the feasibility of proposed reforms.
What may happen next
The government’s planned retirement age reform could face challenges if workers in key sectors continue to express doubts about their ability to work longer. While the Koalitionsausschuss has committed to implementing the Rentenkommission’s recommendations, the DGB’s survey may prompt calls for interim measures to improve workplace safety and health support.
A separate study by the Institute for Economic Structure (IW) noted a rise in early retirees who continue working, with 25% of long-term insured individuals reporting significant side incomes. This suggests some workers may find ways to remain in the labor market despite health concerns, though the DGB argues such arrangements do not address systemic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of workers in Germany doubt they can reach the retirement age? 40% of workers surveyed by the DGB expressed doubt they could continue working until the statutory retirement age.
Which professions are most affected by these concerns? Workers in plumbing (72%), healthcare (71%), elderly care (67%), construction (66%), and education (57%) reported the highest levels of uncertainty about continuing until retirement.
What does the IW study reveal about early retirees? The study found that 25% of long-term insured individuals who retired early reported significant side incomes, often exceeding a minijob, after the 2023 removal of the income limit for retirees.
How might these findings influence future retirement policy in Germany?
