Unforced attrition

Continuing decline in unforced attrition within the Group

Unforced attrition within the Group decreased for the third year in succession and was 4.0 % in 2025, down 0.4 percentage points compared to the previous year. This development can be seen in both Germany and internationally. In Germany, unforced attrition decreased by 0.2 percentage points and declined by 0.7 percentage points internationally.

Unforced attrition is expected to rise in Germany in the medium-term, on account of the demographic development: More and more of the populous baby boomer generation are reaching retirement age. Across the Group, over 800 employees retired in 2025.

Unforced attrition refers to normal employee departures that occur without specific staff reduction measures, for example due to retirement, incapacity for work, termination by the employee, or termination by the employer for conduct- or person-related reasons. It is reported as a percentage of the total workforce (as per the end of the previous year).