Known for never ever giving up no matter what or at least not until the Frührente comes in, Germans everywhere were shocked to discover yesterday that the other Germans everywhere all around them have just as lousy an attitude about work as they do. At least when it comes to “motivation” they do, whatever that is.

 According to the latest Gallup poll, and there’s always a latest Gallup poll, nearly 90 percent of German employees asked don’t feel any particular obligation to the company they work for. The “Engagement Index 2008” indicates that only about 13 percent of those employed are still highly motivated whereas 67 percent prefer the tried and true Dienst nach Vorschrift (working to the rule, the minimum and no more) employee model. Every fifth German has already “quit inside”, although physically still present at work, in a way. Damn. Could this be a variation of what the Germans used to call “internal exile” during World War II, only different? Some things never change, I guess.

This phenomenon presents problems for companies we are told (duh). Less motivated employees tend to call in sick more often and, heaven forbid, even leave the company for another company where they can call in sick at. Unfortunately, with times being what they are, there aren’t that many companies willing or even able to hire these poorly motivated types anymore so they have to stay put and it’s just a vicious circle I tell you and very demotivating which does very little in terms of motivation.

And the real Hammer (doozie)? Experts say it actually makes no difference whether the economy is booming or in decline, it appears that Germans don’t like their work because they don’t like who they are working for. They don’t like working for other Germans, in other words. They’re not motivated enough or something, I guess.

 „Die geringe emotionale Bindung der Arbeitnehmer in Deutschland ist nicht neu. Bereits seit Jahren seien die schlechten Werte stabil.“