• Increasing digitalization: Digitalization is affecting all sectors. Companies in trade, industry, healthcare and many other sectors are increasingly relying on digital technologies. This increases the need for specialists with expertise in areas such as software development, IT security, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
  
• Demographic change: Many older skilled workers are leaving the labor market, while at the same time not enough new graduates in IT-related courses are joining the ranks. There is not enough young talent to meet the growing demand.
• Specialization: Technological progress is leading to ever greater specialization in the IT sector. Specialized professionals, especially in areas such as cyber security, data science and machine learning, are particularly hard to find.

The consequences for companies

The shortage of qualified IT specialists is having a serious impact on companies in Germany. According to the Bitkom study, six out of ten companies report that the shortage of IT specialists is significantly affecting their business development. Projects are delayed, innovations are postponed and companies are unable to achieve their growth targets. In addition, salary costs for existing specialists are rising due to the lack of qualified applicants. Companies are forced to offer higher salaries and additional incentives to retain their IT experts. This puts a particular strain on smaller companies that have fewer financial resources to compete for talent.

Why international specialists are the solution
One solution that is increasingly coming into focus is the recruitment of international IT specialists. Germany has a high reputation as a location for technology and innovation and can therefore attract qualified IT specialists from abroad. International specialists not only offer the necessary technical expertise, but also a global perspective, which is an advantage in an increasingly networked economic environment.

Advantages of international IT specialists

• Technical expertise: Many countries are training highly qualified IT professionals who specialize in in-demand technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analysis or IT security.
• Diversity: International specialists bring different perspectives and experiences that can promote innovation and creativity in companies.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Skilled workers from abroad are often willing to adapt quickly to new working environments and find innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Challenges in the recruitment of international specialists

Despite the obvious advantages of international specialists, many companies face challenges.
The most common problems include

• Bureaucratic hurdles: Obtaining visas for international skilled workers can be a lengthy process. Despite existing initiatives such as the Skilled Immigration Act, companies report delays in the processing of visa applications and the recognition of qualifications.
• Integration: In addition to recruitment, companies must also ensure the integration of new employees. This concerns not only professional issues, but also cultural aspects such as support in finding accommodation, language courses and social integration.
• Onboarding and further training: Companies need to ensure that international professionals are well integrated into the company once they arrive. This includes structured onboarding processes and regular further training measures to ensure that the specialists remain at the cutting edge of technology.

 

Recommendations for action: How companies can overcome the IT skills shortage
In order to counteract the shortage of IT specialists in the long term, companies should adapt their recruitment strategies and focus more on international specialists. Here are some concrete measures:

• Launch global recruitment campaigns: Companies should specifically expand their recruitment campaigns to international markets. The use of specialized platforms and networks that focus on the recruitment of international IT specialists can be helpful here. The recruiting service from Baloo offers you an efficient way to outsource this area. Participation in international job fairs and cooperation with global educational institutions can also facilitate access to talent.
• Overcoming visa processes and bureaucratic hurdles: Companies should familiarize themselves with existing visa processes and explore ways in which these can be made efficient. Working with specialized service providers who have experience in dealing with visa applications can be of great benefit here. At Baloo, we take this step off your hands. As part of our Formalities Support we support you and your IT specialist in all steps of the visa application process.
• offer support with integration: In addition to recruiting international skilled workers, it is crucial to integrate them well into the company and society. Companies should offer cultural integration programs and language courses and support new employees with practical issues such as finding accommodation. We are also happy to assist you in this area as part of our Settling-In Support, Apartment Search Support and German course cooperations. at your disposal.
• Structure onboarding and training: Structured onboarding is key to the successful integration of international specialists. Regular training courses help to keep specialists up to date with the latest technology and develop their skills. Further onboarding support is available here.

 

The shortage of IT specialists in Germany poses considerable challenges for companies, which can lead to an innovation and competitive disadvantage without rapid countermeasures. Recruiting international specialists offers a realistic solution to close the gap. Companies that act now and focus on a global recruitment strategy can not only secure their own competitiveness, but also help to strengthen Germany's position as a location for innovation in the long term.

 

 

Source: Shortage of IT specialists threatens to worsen dramatically | Press release | Bitkom e. V.