Germany is Europe’s largest economy and a popular destination for investors, who appreciate its strategically central location and its history as a strong exporter nation. Known as a leader in engineering and manufacturing, it particularly relies on small and medium-sized businesses to drive growth and innovation. The country is also considered to be quite employee-friendly and has a robust social insurance system that’s also reflected in the complexity of its payroll.

That’s why running payroll in Germany requires a deep knowledge of employee rights—such as the role of workers’ councils—and government regulations. We speak to ADP experts Thomas Zimmerman and Johannes Schwarzer, who share their insights and create an in-depth picture of work and pay in Germany. We also catch up with Manuel, a teacher in Berlin who’s currently in the process of forming a workers’ council with his colleagues.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:08]
• What makes German payroll unique? [03:20]
• Germany’s skilled labor shortage [08:42]
• Germany’s regulatory landscape [11:20]
• Digitalization efforts and how ADP is helping [13:02]
• Data privacy [15:26]
• Manuel’s story [17:03]
• The role of workers’ councils [22:35]
• Germany’s labor protection laws [24:55]
• What do you find exciting about payroll in Germany? [26:44]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Recorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Kaukab Shairani
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

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