Harz in the labor shortage: Foreign helpers fill the gap!

Harz in the labor shortage: Foreign helpers fill the gap!

The Harz, a popular holiday destination with picturesque landscapes, has a huge problem: finding workers. Every year the highlands attract thousands of travelers and hikers, but the catering and hotel industries are suffering from a massive shortage of staff. News38 reports that companies in this sector in particular increasingly have to rely on foreign employees. EU citizens can settle and work in the Harz Mountains relatively easily, while the requirements for non-EU citizens are much stricter - an employment contract, language skills and the recognition of professional qualifications are required.

The acquisition of foreign workers is particularly important during the peak tourist season. The Harz seems to be showing a clear trend: In many companies, not only seasonal workers are in demand, but also permanent skilled workers such as chefs. However, the long and often arduous visa application process and the associated bureaucratic hurdles are a major obstacle for local entrepreneurs. Many cannot open on time because the necessary employees are missing.

The background to the labor shortage

As from a report by daily news shows that there is a shortage of more than 65,000 workers in the entire German hospitality industry - a number that has increased dramatically in recent years, especially since the corona pandemic. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) reports an acute personnel shortage, which is particularly noticeable in tourist-oriented regions such as the Harz Mountains.

Together with the increased demand during the holiday season, many hotels and restaurants are faced with the challenge of finding sufficient staff. “Competition for employees is becoming increasingly difficult for small and medium-sized businesses in rural regions,” says DEHOGA. Innovative solutions seem to be in demand, and some catering establishments are already reacting by shortening their opening hours or reducing their menus.

International recruitment and local challenges

Another interesting development concerns eastern Germany. News38 describes that on the North Sea coast, especially in the East Frisian holiday region, the proportion of foreign employees in the hospitality industry has risen sharply. From 23% in 2014, this proportion has increased to over 36% by 2024. On the East Frisian Islands it is even the case that every second employee comes from abroad. This impressively shows how important international workers are for the local economy.

The origin of the workers varies greatly: Romanian seasonal workers are often found on Borkum and Norderney, while a larger Polish group works on Juist. Particularly noteworthy is the state government's support in recruiting workers from Morocco in order to remedy the serious shortage. A special partnership with the Tangier region brings Moroccan trainees into the hospitality industry for the first time.

The Harz and its tourism industry are facing a challenge that requires creative thinking and flexible solutions in order to attract and, above all, retain the irreplaceable workforce. At a time when the job market is highly competitive, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop. One thing is certain, however: the treasures of the Harz Mountains must remain accessible, and this requires dedicated people.