This spring, Smartree initiated a market survey aimed at comparing the perspectives of human resources specialists with those of employees/candidates regarding current and future labor market trends.
This survey was conducted in collaboration with Irina Filip, Cafeneaua cu Joburi, Wellington, and ReMArkable Consulting. The research included 743 respondents, with approximately half from Bucharest, followed by those from the North-West region of the country, with the remaining regions being represented to a lesser extent.
The objective of the survey was to obtain a comprehensive perspective on how HR specialists and employees perceive the field of human resources, and especially to better understand the market and support companies in adapting to change.
The survey results revealed several interesting aspects:
Staff turnover
“Yes!” – this was the response of 60% of the employees who participated in our survey when asked: “Would you like a job change this year?” HR specialists expect this, with over 80% believing that staff turnover will either remain the same or increase.
Almost half of the employee/candidate respondents foresee a salary increase only if they change jobs, which may be why most want to migrate. However, HR specialists stated that the 2024 budget includes salary increases. It is important to highlight the communication and transparency between the two parties in this regard. A more diversified and generous benefits package improves employee engagement and quality of life, but this aspect is secondary in the list of motivations for an employee to stay with the company. A healthy work environment is paramount when it comes to employee retention.
Additionally, HR specialists stated that their organizations place significant emphasis on digitizing and automating internal processes. On the other hand, more than a quarter of employees/candidates expressed enthusiasm about working with artificial intelligence (AI) and do not feel threatened by it taking over their tasks in the near future.
Engagement and motivation
Organizational culture and work-life balance are also important aspects for employees. Interestingly, opportunities for professional development are considered more valuable than the benefits package, as previously mentioned. It was equally interesting to discover that over a quarter of employee/candidate respondents mentioned that their organization does not engage in employer branding activities. On the other hand, 39% of HR specialists stated that their organizations prioritize creating a pleasant work environment for employees.
Challenges in the Labor Market
Finding a balance between organizational requirements and individual needs represents a common challenge for employees/candidates and HR specialists. Engagement means much more than team members’ satisfaction, having the power to motivate people to make greater efforts when they are pleased with their workplace and atmosphere.
Part-time or full-time job, work from home or office work, or relocation, are some of the aspects addressed by the questions you will see in the survey.
Lastly, the survey revealed that young people from Generation Z can easily integrate into any company, being open and receptive, a fact agreed upon by both HR specialists and those who work daily with new entrants to the labor market.
In conclusion, we invite you to download and review the report (Romanian language only) and share your feedback or suggestions on other topics of interest for our future surveys.