Germany’s foreign intelligence service, BND, is struggling to recruit new staff in the post-pandemic world. Bruno Kahl, the head of BND, attributes this challenge to the increasing demand for flexible work conditions, such as working from home.
Kahl suggests that the current work norms, which young job seekers find appealing, are tough to implement in intelligence work due to security reasons. Consequently, the BND is facing difficulties in replacing retiring staff, largely baby boomers, with new recruits.
A critical issue is the agency’s policy prohibiting personal cell phones at work, a stipulation that many potential employees are reluctant to accept. This adds to the existing challenge of attracting young talent to the organization.
At present, the BND employs approximately 6,500 people, a number that is anticipated to dwindle as more baby boomers retire and the agency struggles to find suitable replacements.