Only 12 percent of the startups surveyed by Bitkom Research expect no change in their workforce, and virtually no startups plan to reduce staff numbers. On average, startups have 20 employees and five vacanciesThis aggressive personnel planning shows that tech startups are optimistic about the future, explains Bitkom President Achim Berg.
Recently, startups have lost staff to established companies and medium-sized businesses. The average number of employees was 21 in 2000 and 24 in 2021. To meet the demand for skilled workers at startups, a more attractive design of employee share ownership is needed to compete with established companies for skilled workers, according to the Digital AssociationAccording to Bitkom, IT specialists from Russia and Belarus who are willing to leave the country can also help meet the high demand.
Startups have more vacancies than last year
Around half of startups (53 percent) have nine or fewer employees, while a quarter (24 percent) have 20 or more. In addition, an average of three founders work for the company. Two-thirds (66 percent) of startups report that they currently have open positions (2021: 62 percent). On average, each startup has five positions to fill, significantly more than a year ago, when the average was three.
Bitkom President Mountain says:
“The shortage of skilled workers is becoming the number one obstacle to growth.”
