In the first year of the pandemic, economists assume that the economic crisis will fundamentally change the labor market. This will still be the case in 2020, significantly fewer people are changing jobs. But already in 2021 there will be hardly any differences to pre-Corona times. Gastronomy is an exception.
According to a study, the corona pandemic has not led to structural changes in the labor market, contrary to what many expected. In 2020, "as is usual in crises", the dynamics on the labor market have reduced: significantly fewer people have changed jobs, explained Niels Gillmann from the IFO Institute. However, the situation returned to normal as early as 2021.
"In times of crisis, companies often put hiring plans on hold," explained Gillmann, who conducts research at the IFO branch in Dresden. "This makes it difficult for workers to change jobs." In general, career changes would often require thorough preparation and further training. This prevents short-term structural changes in the labor market. It is all the more important for employees to continue their education regularly, "so that they can quickly find a new job if the worst comes to the worst." Accordingly, there was only great mobility in the badly hit food and catering industry. Many employees there have switched to transport and logistics professions as well as to trade.
According to the study, unemployment hardly increased either. This is related, among other things, to the state support measures for companies, in particular the short-time work allowance. In addition, companies are now hesitant to lay off workers, since many sectors are already suffering from a shortage of skilled workers.
"However, the effects can mainly be observed in 2020 and in 2021 there will be hardly any differences compared to 2019," says Gilmann's research report. "In general, no new trends seem to have developed and instead familiar patterns have been temporarily reinforced."
