Understanding which countries face the most significant labor shortages worldwide is crucial before making decisions about travel or job searches. This knowledge can guide you in making informed choices about where to focus your employment efforts.
Following the impact of Covid-19, numerous European countries have witnessed substantial worker resignations, totaling 30.5 million in August 2023. To address the skills gap in sectors with a shortage of labor, foreign workers are being recruited.
This article will delve into the 15 European countries currently grappling with substantial labor shortages.
15 Countries With The Highest Labor Shortages
The information in this report is based on data from Manpower Group’s 2024 Report on Talent Shortages, which played a crucial role in identifying countries with the most severe labor shortages globally.
The report presents data on the percentage of skilled labor shortages in each country, distinguishing between those with similar percentages. Additionally, it incorporates World Bank statistics on the proportion of the aging population relative to the total population.
Countries with a higher percentage of an aging population were given priority in the ranking. In cases where both the aging population and skilled labor shortage percentages matched between two countries, the number of permanent migrants accepted since 2021 was utilized as a tiebreaker.
The following is the list of countries facing significant labor shortages.
JapanÂ
Japan is currently grappling with the most severe labor shortages globally, with 86% of municipalities actively seeking additional foreign workers to tackle challenges arising from an aging population. Key sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology are actively recruiting international talent to address these gaps.
- Skilled Labor Shortage:Â 85%
- Ageing Population:Â 30%Â
GreeceÂ
In Germany, about 50% of businesses are encountering challenges due to a shortage of available workers. The country has approximately 1.8 million job vacancies, and sectors like construction and manufacturing are notably affected by this labor shortage.
- Skilled Labor Shortage:Â 82%
- Ageing Population:Â 22%Â
IsraelÂ
Israel is grappling with notable labor shortages, particularly in the construction sector. To address this issue, plans are underway to bring in around 70,000 foreign workers from countries such as China, India, and others.
- Skilled Labor Shortage:Â 82%
- Ageing Population:Â 12%Â