Young Serbs between 20 and 30 years of age most often decide to temporarily emigrate abroad because of a better quality of life, social security, working conditions and the possibility of career advancement.
These are the results of research on circular migration, presented by the Serbian Association of Managers (Srpska asocijacija menadžera – SAM).
At the same time, about 30% of the survey participants cited family situation and homesickness as the most common reasons for a return, while other reasons include achieving financial security, a job offer in Serbia and the desire to contribute to the development of their country and society.
The survey was conducted under the auspices of the Circular Migration – Acting Responsibly for Serbia’s Future project, and is being implemented with the support of the Government of Switzerland.
“We conducted this research to examine the market situation, to understand what companies can do in order to attract and retain staff, to find out how managers overcome the lack of adequate staff for certain occupations, and what are the additional factors that need to be addressed,” said the executive director of SAM, Jelena Bulatović.
She also assessed that three factors together – companies, universities, state government – can create an environment that encourages young people to stay in Serbia or to return to the country after studying and working abroad.
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Almost 80% of the managers interviewed said that the effects of the brain drain in Serbia are felt on the labour market.
The biggest deficit is in IT jobs, especially data analysts and the like, but the research also showed a shortage of sales personnel, accountants, drivers, warehouse staff, forklift operators, agriculture and construction staff.
Employers usually find new workers through referrals or job search websites. Advertisements on social networks are also quite effective, while companies rarely reach employ new staff through the National Employment Service (NSZ).
To overcome labour shortages, companies adjust their business by intensifying collaboration with universities (40% of respondents), or act through process automation, the introduction of new technologies and relocation of production sites.
For now, only 10% of the survey respondents are willing to “import” workers.
(Novi Magazin, 12.11.2020)
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