Slovak companies increasingly see artificial intelligence and automation—not recruitment from abroad—as the main answer to persistent labour shortages, according to a new survey of employers.
Half of the companies surveyed said AI tools, digitalisation and robotisation could help them address staffing difficulties. By comparison, only one in four employers considered targeted recruitment of foreign workers a potential solution.
The findings suggest a shift in business priorities. Foreign employees have become an increasingly visible part of Slovakia’s labour market in recent years, particularly in manufacturing, logistics and other sectors requiring large workforces. However, many companies are now exploring technologies that could reduce their dependence on additional recruitment.
Some employers are also considering greater use of external specialists hired under contracts outside the traditional full-time employment model. This would give businesses access to necessary expertise without permanently expanding their workforce.
Companies remain cautious about recruitment
Despite continuing labour shortages, Slovak employers are taking a cautious approach to hiring. Only 29 percent expect their workforce to grow during the next 12 months. Most companies planning to recruit anticipate an increase of less than 5 percent.
The outlook is noticeably more optimistic in neighbouring Czechia, where 44 percent of employers expect to expand their workforce.
At the same time, around one-quarter of Slovak companies anticipate reducing employee numbers over the coming year. In Czechia, fewer than one in five employers expect staffing cuts.
The figures indicate that labour shortages do not automatically translate into large-scale recruitment. Economic uncertainty, rising costs and pressure to improve productivity appear to be encouraging companies to seek technological and organisational alternatives.
Skills and digitalisation remain investment priorities
Financial pressure is also affecting companies’ development plans. Only half of the employers questioned said they were continuing to invest in business development, while the remainder had reduced expenditure.
Among businesses that are still investing, the main priorities are improving the skills of existing employees and automating digital processes. More than one-third are also developing new business opportunities.
The emphasis on training suggests that employers are not relying solely on technology to solve their staffing problems. Instead, many are combining automation with attempts to increase the productivity and digital competence of their current workforce.
The results come from the Data Guide to Company Adaptability survey conducted by Alma Career Slovakia. It covered 313 owners and managers of companies employing at least ten people. The data were collected between February 24 and March 11.
The survey points to a broader transformation of the Slovak labour market. Foreign workers are likely to remain important, especially in sectors experiencing chronic staff shortages, but employers increasingly view technological adaptation and investment in existing employees as more sustainable long-term solutions.
