In a striking revelation about the Czech labor market, 30% of Czech companies, particularly larger ones, are planning to hire more employees at the beginning of next year. However, they face a significant challenge – 66% of companies are struggling to find suitable candidates, a dramatic increase from just 11% a decade ago.
According to Jaroslava Rezlerová, CEO of ManpowerGroup Czech Republic, economic growth forecasts are improving despite uncertainties in the automotive sector due to the transition to electric mobility. The first quarter is expected to see increased demand for new employees. The financial sector, real estate, and IT have shown the strongest optimism for three years, while the public and non-profit sector remains the only area planning more layoffs than hires.
The IT and data processing sectors prove particularly challenging for recruitment, with 28% of employers reporting difficulties. Manufacturing, construction, logistics, and engineering positions in finance and insurance sectors also face significant hiring challenges. Healthcare and social care employers experience the most severe recruitment difficulties across all sectors.
While retraining could offer a solution, Czech workers show reluctance to pursue additional education. Daniel Krištof, Director General of the Labor Office, notes that despite doubling in numbers, retraining participation remains low. The potential benefits are substantial – for instance, a worker earning 20,000 could increase their starting salary to 40,000 after retraining as a welder.
The Czech Republic’s workforce mobility remains notably low, with only 15% employee turnover compared to the EU’s 22% and Denmark’s 30%.