High level of satisfaction is strengthening the digital economy as an employer
Almost two-thirds of employees in the digital economy feel that the working conditions are better than in other industries (see chart 1). That is also reflected in their high level of satisfaction. Three in four of them said that they were happy with their tasks in terms of content (see chart 2). Almost 70 percent were also happy with their salary (see chart 3).
The main motivating factors for the respondents were work-life balance (47%) and salary (46%). Other factors were with 37 percent teamwork and with 34 percent content and tasks (see chart 4).
A workplace for career starters and for the long term
What stood out was that 7 out of 10 of the employees surveyed would choose a job in the digital economy again if they were to find themselves back at the start of their career (see chart 5). One in two are also planning to stay in the digital economy for the long term – so, more than 20 years or until they retire (see chart 6). These figures highlight that the digital economy isn’t just innovative, it’s also a reliable and valued employer.
“The digital economy has established itself as a workplace of the future,” says Carsten Rasner, Managing Director of the BVDW: “In this context, employee satisfaction is one of the keys to stable and sustainable growth – especially against the backdrop of a serious shortage of skilled professionals. Only people who are happy in their job will remain loyal to the industry. The survey shows that companies in our industry are not only driving technological developments, but also creating an environment where people enjoy a strong sense of well-being and demonstrate long-term commitment.”
A future-proof industry
The digital economy not only promises a bright future; it is the future. 83 percent of those surveyed think it’s a future-proof industry (see chart 7).The digital economy isn’t just a key driver of innovation and growth, it also offers attractive, long-term career opportunities. Almost one in four respondents could even imagine starting up a company in the digital economy, with the 18–29 age group being the most likely to go down the entrepreneurial route with 57 percent (see Chart 8).
“The digital economy is vibrant and diverse. It attracts people with completely different needs: whether long-term job security, work-life balance, or even startup opportunities. Many are on the same page about identifying with the content, work conditions, and salary. These are encouraging results for the digital economy. Happy employees are still the best multipliers. They can trigger a pull effect on the applicant market,” says Verena Gründel, DMEXCO’s Brand and Communications Director.
An optimistic outlook for the digital economy and DMEXCO 2024
The results show that the digital economy is not only regarded as one of the most attractive industries in Germany, but it also promises stable and fulfilling career opportunities for the long term. The outlook is optimistic for the industry thanks to its forward-looking and innovative environment – and DMEXCO will be providing a platform for that in Cologne on September 18 and 19. This year’s motto is “Prompting the Future”. With that theme, Europe’s leading digital marketing & tech event will be showcasing the vast potential of digital technologies. Across its 14 stages, 850 speakers will explore questions relating to the future of the digital economy.
About the survey
Taking place between August 7 and 21, 2024, and commissioned by the German Association for the Digital Economy (BVDW) and DMEXCO, Civey conducted an online survey of 500 employees from companies in the digital economy. The results are representative due to quotas and weightings, taking into account the statistical error of 7.5 to 7.8 percentage points in the respective overall result.
The charts for this survey are available here.
You can find more image material here.
