15.11.2023 - At the end of the 3rd quarter of 2023, the general situation in industry and among service companies is assessed as satisfactory by the majority. Overall, no changes were expected in the forecast, which is now also being reported by the companies surveyed. Neither the general situation, nor profitability, nor the number of employees changed in the 3rd quarter. All results are weighted according to full-time equivalents (FTEs).

The labor shortage among service companies did not ease in the 3rd quarter either. As in the previous quarter, there is a clear difference to companies in industry and construction, even if this obstacle is also reported there. A particularly large proportion is affected in the retail trade, with 90% of the companies surveyed.

The companies surveyed have a neutral forecast for the 4th quarter overall. The general situation, profitability and headcount are not expected to change. If the economic sectors are compared, a more pessimistic picture emerges for service companies. However, no further decline in staff numbers is expected. The most severely affected sector, the retail trade, is even forecasting an increase in headcount in most cases.

Economic Survey 3rd Quarter 2023