Legal and political stability is a fundamental pre-requisite underlying the decision of a company to select a particular business location. Internationally operating companies can rely on a high level of political and social stability in Austria.
Political stability has a positive effect on the social well-being and security of people in Austria. The agreements reached in negotiations between employee representatives (Chambers of Labor and Austrian Trade Union Federation) and employer representatives (Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and Presidential Conference of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture) have traditionally enabled a moderate labor cost policy to prevail.
Managers across the globe give Austria very high grades. According to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2016-2017, Austria is rated eighth in international comparison when it comes to employer-employee relations.
In addition to social security, the low strike rate and the high level of social peace which is internationally acclaimed also comprise a significant competitive advantage.
In an international comparison by the German Hans-Böckler Foundation, Austria once again proved to be an extremely stable business location. In the years 2005 to 2014, only two working days were lost per 1,000 employees and year due to strikes. Switzerland was the only country with an even better track record, losing one day less each year to strikes.
Climate change and natural catastrophes increasingly affect business location decisions. Austria has been largely spared the negative consequences of natural disasters, and does not even appear in the risk estimates prepared by prominent international insurers.
Ensuring a reliable and secure supply of electricity is an important goal of Austria’s energy policy. Austria is in the top ranks with respect to the reliability and security of its energy supply compared to other European countries.
