Socially responsible staff reduction in Germany

Staff restructuring continues through partial retirement and severance payments

In 2025, Deutsche Telekom maintained its commitment to only implementing staff reductions in a socially responsible manner. Furthermore, those departing the company shall also be given a perspective. The proven models of dedicated retirement, partial retirement, and severance payments ensured fair transition and provided employees with security when making the step to the new phase of their lives.

Dedicated retirement once again proved to be a successful scheme for civil servants. In 2025, this scheme ensured that the transition of 595 colleagues into the next phase of their lives was made easier – a clear sign for trust and reliability.

Partial retirement using the block model remains popular as it is clearly structured and simple to plan. Employees begin by continuing to work full-time during the active phase which is followed by a seamless transition to the passive phase until a point is reached where the employee or civil servant receives their (civil service) pension. 2,294 employees, of which 1,696 were employees and 598 were civil servants, chose this option in 2025. Partial retirement applications for civil servants had to be submitted by December 31, 2025. As of January 1, 2026, civil servants are no longer able to apply for partial retirement. However, the partial retirement rules and regulations continue to apply for employees.

Severance payments also remain an option for those who want to try something new. Around 1,016 employees opted for severance payments in 2025, thus making a conscious step to a new future.

In addition, 11 civil servants were able to secure a permanent transfer to authorities – a long-term solution for all parties involved.