Working Environment in Times of Crisis and Change. An Analysis in the Free State of Saxony.

Using Saxony as an example, the project examined how labor law regulations influence companies and the economy. The focus was on the question of whether existing labor and social law standards are more of a success factor or an obstacle for companies, employees and the location under the conditions of current crises and transformations - and how the legal framework might need to be adapted. The study combined a legal analysis with interviews with entrepreneurs, employees and their representatives.

The study shows that companies and employees in Saxony are primarily confronted with a shortage of skilled workers, digitalization and the consequences of crises such as the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Small and medium-sized companies in rural regions are under particular pressure, as they are often less able to offer better conditions for recruiting workers than large companies in cities. At the same time, there is a growing need for more flexible working time models, home office options and better infrastructure in order to retain skilled workers and attract new ones.

Many companies generally perceive employment and social regulations as a reliable framework. At the same time, there is a desire for more flexibility - for example in terms of working hours or protection against dismissal - in order to be able to react more quickly to economic changes.