Germany reports surge in job switching and growing Quiet‑Quitting trend

A new study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) shows that occupational mobility in Germany has risen sharply since 2013, with a 10‑percentage‑point increase for women and a 16‑point rise for men in 2024. The study links higher mobility to periods of strong economic growth, noting that workers are more likely to change jobs when demand for labour is high and that wage levels influence the willingness to switch, especially among lower‑paid men and mid‑range paid women.

At the same time, employers are observing a related phenomenon dubbed “Quiet Quitting,” particularly among Generation Z. The term, which originated during the COVID‑19 pandemic, describes employees who limit their work to contracted duties and decline overtime or extra tasks to preserve mental health and work‑life balance. Critics view the trend as a threat to productivity, while supporters argue it signals a necessary shift in workplace expectations.

Both trends suggest a broader transformation in German labour attitudes, with increased job mobility and a stronger focus on personal well‑being shaping the future of work.