The ifo HR Survey

In a rapidly changing work environment, it is important for companies to react flexibly to exogenous factors. For HR related topics there are various flexibility instruments available for this purpose, such as working time accounts and temporary work. However, there is little information in official statistics on the use and importance of such instruments for businesses. To obtain more precise information on the application and significance of these tools, the ifo Institute, in cooperation with Randstad Deutschland, has been conducting a quarterly survey of around 1,000 human resources managers from various economic sectors since 2008. The ifo HR Survey has been introduced to focus on these HR related topics and is a complement to the other ifo surveys that mostly deal with business cycle developments. The results of the survey can be used to illustrate how the use of flexibilization instruments changes over time and whether structural changes or cyclical influences have become visible. In addition, current personnel policy issues are examined with changing supplementary questions. The topics focus on current trends or problems, such as the apprenticeship situation or the shortage of skilled workers. The findings provide benchmark information for companies and valuable data for researchers.