The research department analyses and forecasts the macroeconomic development of the labour market in Germany, for instance labour supply, labour demand, working time and underemployment. Our studies concentrate on the way these variables relate to business cycles, demographic change and structural shifts in the German economy.

We research both the short-term and the long-term development of the labour market. We draw up detailed annual forecasts of unemployment, gainful employment and hours worked. By the same token, innovative indicators and models for labour market forecasts are developed. We analyze the interaction of the labour market with the macroeconomy, in particular business cycles, growth and institutional reforms.

In the long run the demand for skilled labour is represented in models of the labour market and the economy as a whole. Here special attention is paid to the way the labour and goods markets adapt to structural developments such as demography. Concerning the labour-supply side, population, labour participation, labour force and hidden unemployment are investigated and forecast.

The IAB working time calculation provides a detailed picture of the structure and development of the annual working time and hours worked. Research in this field addresses topics like working time preferences of employees and working time flexibility.

With its analytical and prognostic studies, the research department is often consulted by the Federal Employment Agency (BA), ministries, parliaments and associations as a competent source of advice. We are frequently contacted by the media and academic circles. Current data, calculations and forecasts from the department can be found below the site "Current data and indicators of labour market trends in the eastern and western parts of Germany".