Building work and construction sites
Though the German construction sector has been in a state of crisis since around 1995, which was preceded by a boom, it still ranks among Germany's most important industrial sectors.
For a long time, many companies endeavoured to stimulate demand by cutting prices but they did not optimise their work and business processes at the same time. In numerous cases, the resulting operating losses had to be compensated for by freezing or decreasing wages. The EU's expansion towards the East is likely to bring yet more price and competitive pressure. Enterprises which do not have appropriate business strategies will not be able to withstand that pressure and jobs will continue to be lost in the construction sector.
Pay in the sector is below average, there are few opportunities for workers to improve their qualifications and the working conditions are largely unfavourable - as reflected in the disproportionately high number of occupational accidents/diseases and early retirements. Consequently, though the employment figures in the construction sector are on the decline, the industry is already bemoaning the lack of qualified skilled workers and junior employees capable of taking on management positions in the future.
Construction enterprises are increasingly realising that they cannot maintain and expand their market positions in the long run purely on the basis of price, but that the quality of their work and services is what counts above all.
Companies are more likely to be able to optimise their work and business processes and thus exploit previously unused, major potential if they make the move from price-based to quality-based competition.
"Productivity depends on how resources are deployed - and our most important resource is well-trained, motivated and dedicated people. What that means for our economiy is that we will fare well in international competition if we can rely on qualified workers and sophisticated workplaces." (Wolfgang Clement, Federal Minister of Economics and Labour).
Health and safety at work play a key role in maintaining and nurturing that resource.
