The results of EY’s study indicate that the pace of business changes is the biggest challenge in talent management for organizations operating in Poland. Almost half (48%) of surveyed businesses pointed to the appropriate development of employee skills and their alignment with requirements, such as in the area technology as the most important issue to tackle in the coming years. However, companies perceive the dynamic process of innovations such as AI not only as a barrier, but also as an opportunity. For as many as 53% of enterprises, a faster pace of work automation and the use of artificial intelligence will be the most common response to the labor shortage caused by demographic changes. Companies also foresee that flexible work models (32%) and authentic organizational culture (30%) will be key in effectively attracting and retaining talent.
The results of EY Poland’s study – 3Rs in HR: Recruitment, Development, Retention – confirm that concerns about the direction of technology development, among other things, affect not only employees, but also employers. Nearly half (48%) of the surveyed firms identified the development of the skills of their employed personnel and adjusting them to the pace and scope of business changes and innovation as their biggest challenge in the near future. Key aspects traditionally associated with employee management, such as retaining talent in the organization (30%) and attracting new candidates (19%), although still crucial, scored lower. The least frequently indicated (3%) were other issues, e.g., related to the rotation of Generation Z personnel.
It is not surprising, therefore, that the development of digital skills – including gaining knowledge and skills in the use of AI – is becoming the main (41%) direction of employer development strategies. Investments in upskilling and reskilling programs (27%) and individualized career paths (19%) will also become increasingly popular.
Demographic changes have led to a growing number of companies in Poland struggling with labor and skill shortages or significantly hindered recruitment processes. Over time, this phenomenon is likely to deepen, causing more and more organizations to pin their hopes on technological development. Faster work automation and AI implementation will be the most common (53%) employers’ response to the worker shortage. Employment of foreigners (24%) and people aged 50+ (19%) ranked next.
The results of the study clearly indicate that employers in Poland intend to strengthen measures that build their image as a stable, responsible organization that engages in dialogue with its employees. In the opinion of the surveyed businesses, flexible work models that support wellbeing (32%), a strong and authentic organizational culture (30%), and a transparent pay policy (25%) will be the main attributes of an employer that will be decisive in effectively attracting and retaining talent in the future.
As a result, the main directions of retention strategies will also change. First and foremost (43%), employers will increase their efforts to build positive and diverse employee experiences, and an organizational culture that enhances their commitment. Other measures included flexible work models (32%) and increasing budgets for pay rises (20%). Interestingly, only 4% of surveyed firms indicated the expansion and personalization of benefits. The oft-stressed employer’s perspective of striving for operational agility may ultimately translate into desired legislative changes. Elements of labor market flexibility, understood not only as hybrid or remote work models, but also as less-than-full-time employment, and the still controversial shorter working week, were most frequently (38%) cited as the key legislative change that would best address employer challenges in recruitment, development and employee retention.
The study was carried out by EY Poland in the last quarter of 2024 and covered 208 respondents employed in medium and large enterprises operating in Poland.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/sztuczna-inteligencja-szybko-zmienia-rynek-pracy-zarzadzajacy-obawiaja-sie-czy-pracownicy-nadaza-za-zmianami-45208
