The vast majority of the German workforce is not engaged with its work... a company's potential for achievement depends significantly on the attitudes and motivation level of its employees.

..Germany's competitiveness in the global economy could be undermined by the low productivity and reduced profitability that accompany disengagement... its high percentage of actively disengaged workers is putting its current and future economic stability at risk.

According to a 2008 Gallup employee engagement survey, only 13% of German employees are engaged with their workplace, while 67% are not engaged, and 20% are actively disengaged..


But the problem with engagement persists and can be attributed to a lack of leadership at work...


The typical German approach to management relies on seniority rather than merit. Traditionally, the role of the supervisor is hierarchical -- 56% of workers describe their supervisor's behavior as top-down, while 44% say their supervisor manages "like a team member."


..Employees slip into the "not engaged" or "actively disengaged" category because their managers neglect them partially or completely; their on-the-job needs and expectations are overlooked...

And so the survey results go on to describe a largely unmotivated workforce. Systemic problem, load of waffle, or all the EU's fault?