What’s working in Germany actually like for internationals? A new release of data from a major expat survey has revealed some interesting insights about working in the federal republic. 

The Future of Working Abroad 

Using data from its annual Expat Insider Survey, global networking company InterNations has just released its Future of Working Abroad report, which looks at the experiences of more than 8.000 expats working in 175 destinations across the world. 

As well as providing some enlightening information about what German citizens get up to when they live and work abroad, the report also contains some interesting data about how international citizens living in Germany feel about their adopted country and their working conditions. Here’s what they had to say.

Expats in Germany have good work-life balance

The Germans may have a reputation for being hardworking and efficient, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to let their hair down. Indeed, expats in Germany were generally satisfied with their work-life balance in the federal republic, with 74 percent of respondents giving it a favourable rating in the survey (compared to 68 percent globally). 

The survey found that expats with a full-time job in Germany work an average of 42 hours a week, a little less than the global average of 43,2 hours per week. Part-time workers in Germany also have shorter working hours than the global average, clocking in 22,7 hours per week (versus 24,2 hours globally). No wonder, then, that 78 percent of expat respondents in Germany rated their working hours positively. 

Job satisfaction high among internationals in Germany

Furthermore, expats in Germany seem to be satisfied with their job in general, with 77 percent rating this aspect of their life positively. 79 percent are also happy with their job security, 87 percent are satisfied with the state of the local economy, and 63 percent are happy with the local job opportunities. 

Interestingly, Germany may have the reputation of being a little backward when it comes to all things digital, but 83 percent of expats in Germany say they have the option to work remotely, slightly more than the global average of 78 percent. 65 percent say they enjoy being able to work from home, and 40 percent do so all of the time. 

A highly-educated group

Finally, the survey also contained some interesting demographic data about expats in Germany. For instance, it showed that 42 percent of expats came to Germany for a work-related reason, while 13 percent came initially to study in Germany. A further 11 percent moved for love. 

Expats in Germany are younger than the global average, with an average age of 39,7 years, compared with 43,1 percent globally. They are also remarkably well-educated, with fewer than 1 percent possessing no degree at all. Nearly 90 percent have graduated from higher education, with a full 11 percent possessing a PhD! 

You can find more information about the Expat Insider survey on the InterNations website.