Only 12 percent of startups surveyed by Bitkom Research expect no change in their workforce, and virtually no startup plans to cut jobs. On average, startups have 20 employees and five open positions. This aggressive hiring strategy shows that tech startups are optimistic about the future, explains Bitkom President Achim Berg.
Recently, startups had lost employees to established companies and medium-sized enterprises. The average number of employees was 21 in 2000 and 24 in 2021. To meet the skilled labor needs of startups, more attractive employee stock ownership plans are needed to compete with established companies for talent, according to the digital association. In Bitkom’s view, IT professionals from Russia and Belarus who wish to leave their countries can also help meet the high demand.
Startups have more open positions than in the previous year
About half of startups (53 percent) have 9 employees or fewer, while a quarter (24 percent) have 20 or more. In addition, there are on average three founders working 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 with an average of three open positions.
Bitkom President Berg says:
“The shortage of qualified workers is becoming the number one growth constraint.”
