6 Years Occupational Strengthening Pensions Act (OSPA) in Germany: Evidence from Current Employee Surveys

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the Occupational Strengthening Pensions Act (OSPA), introduced more than six years ago, on the demand for occupational pension provision (OPP) from the perspective of employees subject to social insurance contributions in Germany. The study incorporates theoretical perspectives on the prevalence of OPP from existing studies at the level of individual households and firms. Data were collected via an online questionnaire from 236 people in Germany who are subject to social security contributions. After receiving the completed questionnaires, they were analyzed and evaluated using IBM SPSS Statistics. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the survey data. In particular, correlation and regression analyses were carried out to test the proposed hypotheses. The results of the study show a significant correlation between age, income, and the desire for information, as well as the reasons for not having a workplace pension and for having a mandatory workplace pension. These results provide valuable insights into the extent to which OPP is widespread in Germany. In addition, the study provides recommendations on how to increase interest in and take-up of OPP. The results of this study provide employers and policymakers with a basis for achieving the OSPA’s goal of increasing the prevalence of OPP. It also contributes to the existing literature on possible improvements to OPP and the question of introducing compulsory OPP in Germany. The study also highlights the mediating role of leadership style in the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance.