According to the World Database of Happiness the average level of happiness of most European countries increased throughout the last decades. People in Germany, however, are less satisfied with their lives than they used to be. The fact that the German gross domestic product has constantly been growing illustrates that an increase in wealth does not necessarily result in people being happier. This raises the question about what makes people in Germany happy and unhappy. As this knowledge is the key to building effective and long-lasting relationships it is of high importance when doing business in Germany.
When being asked what makes them happy the most common answer Germans give is “when the whole family is in good health” followed by “having a stable home”. These two responses emphasise the fact that for Germans family life is highly important. It is essential to be aware of this when doing business in Germany as it has a great impact on the way work life is structured. The importance attributed to family life is mirrored in laws protecting the family and in the high number of mothers who give up work to look after their children. Other common answers to this question show the importance of social contacts and job satisfaction for Germans. It is, however, essential to bear in mind that Germans tend to keep work life and private life separated. Their social life takes place once they’ve left the office and they don’t often spend their spare time with colleagues.
It is not only important to understand what makes Germans happy and unhappy but also to be aware of the existence of regional differences. In general, people in western Germany are happier than people in eastern Germany and according to a recent survey the happiest Germans live in northern Germany, in Hamburg. The highest per capita income in Germany, very good health and a low level of stress make people in Hamburg very happy. The unhappiest Germans are said to be those living in Thuringia, in former East Germany, where the level of unemployment is very high and the per capita income low.
Yet, there is not only a geographic divide in regards to happiness but also a demographic one – gender, age and the level of education all correlate with happiness. In general, young and well educated women are the likeliest to be happy. As eastern Germany is confronted with the challenges of an over aging population and a lack of women this might serve as an explanation why the average level of happiness is lower than in western Germany.
The regional differences in regards to the German average level of happiness emphasise that the North and South of Germany and especially the East and West of Germany exhibit vast cultural differences. Although Germany is no longer divided by a wall, the past still has an impact on everyday life in Germany. Doing business in Germany requires an awareness of these differences. Anyone who ignores these cultural characteristics and Germany’s past will find it almost impossible to build good relationships with German people who have a strong sense of regional belonging.
© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2013