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12. August 2026The shortage of skilled workers is no longer merely an HR issue. Every unfilled key position has a direct impact on a company’s productivity, revenue, and competitiveness. For managing directors and HR executives, the question is therefore not whether a vacancy incurs costs, but rather how significant those costs are.
The shortage of skilled workers is no longer merely an HR issue. Every unfilled key position has a direct impact on a company’s productivity, revenue, and competitiveness. For managing directors and HR executives, the question is therefore not whether a vacancy incurs costs, but rather how significant those costs are.
The shortage of skilled workers remains an economic risk factor
Despite a slowdown in certain sectors and increasing reports of job cuts, the labor market remains tight. According to the German Federal Employment Agency, 163 occupations continue to be classified as shortage occupations in 2024. While labor and skills shortages were previously most acute in large enterprises, this challenge now also affects SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). Among companies with more than 20 employees, which account for around three-quarters of the total workforce, over 40 percent report difficulties filling vacancies. Sectors particularly affected include the skilled trades, technical professions, healthcare, IT, and various industrial specialties.
At the same time, the DIHK – German Chamber of Industry and Commerce - Skilled Workers Report 2025/2026 reveals that 36% of companies are unable to fill vacancies (at least in part) due to a lack of suitable applicants. For many businesses, this has tangible consequences: orders are delayed, growth stalls, and existing staff are constantly working at their limits.
The average duration of vacancies is increasing
Statistics from the Federal Employment Agency illustrate the scale of the issue. Depending on the profession, filling a vacancy often takes anywhere from 150 to more than 250 days. Positions in technical fields, the construction, healthcare, and specialized IT roles remain unfilled for particularly long periods.
Every additional day increases the resulting economic costs.
How Companies Calculate the Cost of Vacancies
The Cost of Vacancy (CoV) metric is frequently used in HR controlling.
Vacancy cost calculation:
Vacancy costs per day = (annual salary × value-added factor) ÷ working days
Depending on the role and level of responsibility, the value-added factor typically ranges from 1.5 to 3.
Example: Industrial mechanic
- Annual salary: €55,000
- Value creation factor: 2
- Working days: 260
Daily vacancy costs
(€55,000 × 2) ÷ 260
= €423 per day
If the position remains unfilled for 180 days, the resulting economic impact is:
€423 × 180 = €76,140
Example: Software developer
- Annual salary: €75,000
- Value creation factor: 2.5
Daily vacancy costs
≈ €721
With a vacancy duration of 180 days, costs amount to approximately €129,780
Example: Sales Representative
In technical sales, lost revenue is often an additional cost.
- Annual salary: €70,000
- Value creation factor: 3
Daily vacancy costs
≈ €808
After 180 days, the economic loss already amounts to around €145,440
These examples illustrate the point: it’s not recruiting that is expensive— it's the unfilled position.
The Actual Costs Go Far Beyond Salary Costs
Many companies focus only on recruitment costs. However, numerous indirect costs are often overlooked.
Productivity Losses
- lower capacity utilization
- longer turnaround times
- reduced value creation
- delayed project completion
Revenue Losses
A shortage of skilled workers often results in:
- lost orders
- delayed deliveries
- missed customer opportunities
- unrealizes growth potential
Particularly in SMEs, these opportunity costs are often significantly higher than the direct personnel costs.
Increased Burden on Existing Team Members
Long-term vacancies regularly lead to:
- overtime
- higher rates of sick leave
- declining employee satisfaction
- increased staff turnover
This leads to additional costs that are not captured by standard recruiting metrics.
Reduced Innovation Capacity
If key positions remain unfilled, the following are often delayed:
- digitalization projects
- process optimization initiatives
- product developments
- strategic investments
While these impacts are difficult to quantify in the short term, they can have a lasting impact on a company’s competitiveness.
Conclusion
Unfilled specialist positions result not only in recruitment costs but also in significant economic losses. Depending on the role, a vacancy lasting just a few months can result in costs in the five- or even six-figure range. Reducing time-to-hire increases productivity, relieves pressure on existing teams, and helps secure a company’s long-term competitiveness.

Author: Helena Schindler
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References:
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Fachkräfteengpassanalyse 2024/2025 – Identifikation von 163 Engpassberufen sowie Informationen zu Besetzungszeiten und Fachkräfteengpässen.
https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de - Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Statistik zur durchschnittlichen Vakanzzeit gemeldeter Stellen.
https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de - Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer (DIHK): Fachkräftereport 2025/2026 – 43 % der Unternehmen können offene Stellen teilweise nicht besetzen.
https://www.dihk.de - KOFA – Kompetenzzentrum Fachkräftesicherung (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft): Studien zu Fachkräftemangel, Personalgewinnung und wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen.
https://www.kofa.de - Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB): Forschung zu Fachkräfteengpässen, Personalbedarf und Arbeitsmarktentwicklung.
https://www.iab.de
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