Survey: New forsa survey reveals: Higher-earning managers are considerably more active in professional networks like XING

• Around one in five managers in Germany already use professional online networks
• Representative survey confirms: XING is by far the most frequently used site amongst German managers for online business networking
• Professional online networks tend to be used more often in major cities than in rural regions in Germany
• Two-thirds of German managers believe that professionals will change their jobs and companies more frequently in future

Approximately five years after professional online networks were first launched, a current survey commissioned by XING AG and carried out by the Germany-based forsa research institute reveals that around one in five managers (18%) based in Germany already network online. The representative survey of 1,005 managers confirms that XING is by far the most frequently used site by management professionals in Germany – in all regions and across all age groups. 14 percent of all managers in Germany already use XING, constituting around three-quarters of all German users of professional online networks. The current forsa survey also substantiates the fact that the use of professional networks is more widespread amongst higher-earning managers: 28 percent of those with a household income exceeding 4,000 euros are already active in a professional context in online networks. 23 percent of those surveyed in this salary bracket are XING members, meaning that the vast majority (around 80 percent) of higher-earning managers use XING for online business networking. The latest figures show, on the other hand, that just 14 percent of professionals with a household income of less than 2,500 euros are active in online professional networks.  Two-thirds of managers surveyed believe that one future trend will see business professionals changing their job or company more frequently from now on, while 48 percent think that personal contacts are set to become more important in our professional and private lives. This opinion is particularly widespread amongst younger managers up to 29 years of age (56 percent). 34 percent of those surveyed are of the opinion that the significance of personal contacts in professional life will remain stable, while just 15 percent believe that these contacts will become less important. Thorsten Vespermann, Director Corporate Communications at XING AG, commented on the survey results as follows: “The working world has undergone some dramatic changes over the past few years. The average amount of time professionals are remaining in their company is getting shorter, and work in general is becoming increasingly project-based. This makes a well-established network of professional contacts more indispensible than ever. A number of surveys point to the fact that more than 50 percent of all new hires already come about via personal contacts.” Professional online networks used most frequently by 30-39 year olds
The results of the representative forsa survey also show that 30-39 year olds make use of online networking in a professional context more frequently than any other age group. 30 percent of people in this category are active on a business network and 24 percent are active on XING – representing a clear majority of around 80 percent of all 30-39 year old online business network users. Correspondingly, this age group benefits particularly frequently from their professional contacts when it comes to finding a new job. Whilst almost a third of managers between 30 and 39 reported they had received a new job through acquaintances at least once during the course of their career, this was only the case for 16 percent of managers over the age of 50. “Managers are increasingly realizing how personal contacts can open doors, especially in view of the difficult economic climate at the moment. Our members are using XING even more often to open up new sales channels, find new business partners and employees, and to make sure they stay in the game when comes to future career opportunities as well,” said Thorsten Vespermann, Director Corporate Communications at XING AG. “Their XING profile acts as their digital business card too, showcasing their professional expertise and skills within a professional context. Their presence strongly increases their chances of being found by the relevant target groups and they can use XING to build up a network of international contacts too.” Professional online networks tend to be used more often in major cities than in rural areas
One in four managers (25 percent) based in major German cities already use professional online networks. In rural regions on the other hand, 15 percent of managers are represented in an online business network, according to the forsa survey. This disparity is also reflected in XING’s membership base: According to company figures, more than 120,000 professionals living in Frankfurt can be found on the platform and a further 180,000 living in both Hamburg and Munich, respectively.
About XING
XING is the leading network for business contacts in Europe. Far more than a directory of business contacts, XING makes your professional network an active part of your life, enabling members to discover professional people, opportunities and privileges through its unique discovery capability and advanced contact management tools.
With the successful IPO of XING as the first Web 2.0 company to go public, XING AG has had a long-term impact on the social networking trend amongst professionals. By focusing on the target group 'business people worldwide', the company is able to offer tailored features, thereby making networking and contact management simpler. Besides Headquarters in Hamburg, XING AG is also represented with offices in Barcelona, Istanbul and Beijing.
XING. Powering Relationships.