Gen Z to blame, or something else?

German bosses are blaming the country’s economic woes on a “work-shy” Generation Z, citing their tendency to call in sick nearly 20 times a year. That was the claim in a recent Fortune headline.

In my humble opinion, however, the real issue lies elsewhere: excessive bureaucracy.

Why?

Let me share an example from my own experience as a dual British-German citizen.

Recently, I had to renew my British passport:

• Simple online application: just 10 minutes to complete.
• Estimated resolution time: three weeks.
• Required documents: my old passport.

Within seven days, my new passport was in my letterbox!

In contrast, renewing my German passport has been a long-overdue ordeal because the process is so painful:

• Mandatory in-person appointment: no online option available.
• Lengthy paper application to complete.
• Estimated resolution time: six months.
• Extensive documentation required: from my wedding certificate to proof of address and much more.

As a talent acquisition professional, I recently recruited the first commercial team in Germany for ADI Global—25 team members in total. I was surprised by the sheer number of new labour laws introduced within just a few months. For instance:

• Work hours must now be meticulously recorded.
• Reporting sickness at work involves a lengthy new process.

That said, I have long admired the German economy. It remains one of the strongest in Europe for good reason. But imagine how much more efficient it could be if we removed all this unnecessary bureaucracy!

So, what do you think: is Generation Z really to blame, or is it something else?

How do these bureaucratic inefficiencies affect businesses and employees?