What economic outlook do you see for 2024? What are your expectations for the intellectual labour market?
The economic outlook is still unsteady because of the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East and other locations. These conflicts have an impact on the countries’ economies and thus on the labor market. Because of the unsteady economic outlook, I think the candidates will be more flexible regarding the working conditions as they were in the last few years.
How do you tap into regional talent pools in the CEE countries for recruitment purposes?
It can be challenging to persuade candidates to relocate from one CEE country to another due to several reasons. One contributing factor is the lack of significant differences in salaries within the region. Additionally, it may not seem worthwhile for individuals to leave behind their family and friends for a marginal increase of 100-200 euros. Another consideration is the high homeownership rates in these countries, such as 94.8% in Romania, 93% in Slovakia, and 90.1% in Hungary (based on 2022 statistics), making it even more challenging to convince candidates to relocate, even within their own country. While remote work could be a potential solution, there are certain positions that cannot be performed remotely.
What aspects are essential when managing remote teams across different countries?
Trust is the cornerstone of successful remote teams. When team members trust each other, it fosters a sense of empowerment and collaboration. This trust is essential for remote teams, where physical distance can make communication and coordination challenging. One of the most significant challenges in managing remote teams is creating a strong team spirit among individuals who may be hundreds of kilometers apart. Team leaders must prioritize regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and opportunities for casual conversation to foster connections among team members. Additionally, establishing clear expectations and goals, providing opportunities for professional development, and recognizing individual and team achievements are crucial for building trust and morale within remote teams.
What do you think about AI? Is it taking away the recruiters' jobs Where can AI add value in recruitment selection?
AI can help sourcers and recruiters improve their efficiency, but it can't replace the human element. It's simply another tool that we must learn to use and implement in a way that makes sense. AI has the potential to enhance many aspects of recruitment, such as creating better job postings, crafting more effective contact messages, or writing pre-screening questions, etc. However, it's important to always review the results of AI.
Of all the advice and feedback you've received over the years, which has stuck with you the most?
In life, we often receive advice from various sources, but it is the lessons we learn through experience that truly shape our behavior. One lesson that has had a profound impact on me is the importance of never stopping learning. This principle is not only a personal mantra, but it also holds significant relevance in the context of adaptability, as highlighted by Darwin in his theory of evolution. Change is constant, and we must be able to adapt to it.
What are you preparing for recruiTECH CEE?
I’m preparing, hopefully, a useful presentation for those colleagues who are thinking about the implementation of Active Sourcing in their HR department in the CEE region. 😊
Thank you for the answers Gábor Kincses, the Team Leader, Recruitment & Active Sourcing in CEE of Schaeffler Savaria!
