# Germany job mobility and quiet quitting

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/germany-job-mobility-and-quiet-quitting
> Updated: 2026-07-30T13:49:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

A July 29 study by the Institute for Employment Research documented a sharp rise in occupational mobility in Germany since 2013, with notable increases for both men and women in 2024. The report linked higher job switching to periods of strong economic growth and highlighted that lower‑paid men and mid‑range paid women were especially responsive to wage levels. At the same time, employers observed a “quiet quitting” trend among Generation Z, where workers limit themselves to contracted duties to protect mental health and work‑life balance.

The following day, a survey by Appinio for Indeed found that more than one‑third of German (and French) respondents considered changing jobs while on vacation. Over 60% worked during holidays, but only a small fraction enjoyed it, and many said the experience prompted them to question their current employment. The survey also noted that a minority had already applied for or secured new positions. Together, the two snapshots illustrate a broader shift in German labour attitudes, with increasing job mobility, heightened focus on personal well‑being, and growing scrutiny of work‑life boundaries.

## Claims

- 64.8% of people who work during vacation question their situation. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- 61.6% of respondents said they also work during vacation. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Only 13.2% of those who work during vacation enjoy it. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- 11.3% of those who thought about a job change already have a new job. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- 15.9% of respondents have sent at least one job application. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- More than one third of respondents think about a job change while on vacation. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The survey sampled 500 men and 500 women aged 18‑65. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- More than one third of respondents consider a job change while on vacation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- More than one third of respondents think about changing jobs while on vacation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 11.3% of respondents who thought about a job change already have a new job. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 15.9% of respondents who thought about a job change have sent at least one job application. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Labor‑law expert says there is no general obligation for employees to be reachable or answer work communications during vacation, except in extreme cases. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Survey shows over a third of vacationing workers contemplate job change

A survey for Indeed shows over a third of vacationing workers consider a job change; 61.6% work during holidays, 64.8% question their situation, and 15.9% have applied for new jobs.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indeed-survey-finds-vacation-workers-more-likely-to-consider-job-change

### 2026-07-29: Germany reports surge in job switching and growing Quiet‑Quitting trend

Germany’s IAB study finds heightened job switching tied to strong economy, while “Quiet Quitting” spreads among Gen Z, highlighting shifting work attitudes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-reports-surge-in-job-switching-and-growing-quietquitting-trend

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Cite as: Germany job mobility and quiet quitting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/germany-job-mobility-and-quiet-quitting