Federal Agency's Transformation into a Digital Workplace
The Federal Employment Agency (BA) in Germany is embracing the 21st century with a digital transformation, aiming to become the most modern and digital public service provider in Europe. This transformation is centred around the Once-Only Principle, a strategy that simplifies bureaucratic procedures for citizens and reduces repetitive data submissions.
Under this principle, citizens only need to submit their employment-related data and supporting documents once when applying for administrative services. This initiative is part of the German government's digital administration strategy, which aims to create citizen-centric services and streamline bureaucratic processes.
The BA is leveraging digital portals and service accounts compliant with the Online Access Act to facilitate efficient application and digital identity submission. Mechanisms like the 4-corner model ensure that data entered by citizens in these digital services is transferred to the responsible authorities’ specialized procedures without requiring repeated submissions.
This approach aligns with EU-wide digital strategies that emphasize once-only data provision to reduce administrative burdens on individuals and businesses. The BA's commitment to these principles is evident in its integration of digital identity management with administrative data reuse, ensuring data protection and minimization principles.
The BA is also promoting the digital form of application among small and medium-sized enterprises. Around 70 percent of applications for unemployment benefits are now submitted digitally, and the number is growing. The new ministry aims to drive concrete, visible progress in digitalization and a modern, actionable administration.
Automated processes will free up employees to provide personal consultation and support to BA clients, but AI will not make decisions on an application. By 2032, around 35% of the BA's employees will retire nationwide, and automated processes will enable services to be provided with fewer employees.
Citizens can now register for unemployment benefits online and upload necessary documents. The BA offers 50 e-services for job seekers, the unemployed, and companies. Conversations can take place both in person and via video chat.
The Once-Only principle is a 21st-century upgrade for administration, making it more digital and citizen-centric. The Federal Employment Agency has signed a cooperation agreement with the Federal Administration Office for the modernization of registers and is integrating cloud technologies and artificial intelligence to optimize processes.
Municipalities and administrations can apply for the State Gazette Award in the field of Digitalization and Innovation until October 31 for pioneering projects that optimize administrative processes and develop innovative solutions. Stefanie Schlüter can be contacted for more information about the State Gazette Award at s.schlueter@our website. Karsten Wildberger is the first Minister for Digitalization and State Modernization of the Federal Republic of Germany.
This modernization drive is a significant step towards a more efficient, digital, and user-friendly interaction between citizens and public administration in Germany.
- The Federal Employment Agency (BA) in Germany is integrating technology into education-and-self-development services, such as digital portals and automated services, to create a more modern and digitally advanced bureaucratic environment.
- The BA's digital initiatives, like the once-only data provision and digital forms of application, exemplify general-news trends in Europe, where digital strategies prioritize reducing administrative burdens and improving citizen-centric services with minimal repetition.
