Young People Dictate the Pace: Employers on Probation, Labour Market Facing Major Changes

(Patria) - The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, together with partners - the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, the Federal Employment Bureau, and UN Women - today organized the Promo Event Job Fair 2025 - "Look for a Job for Yourself" in Sarajevo.

The panel discussion brought together experts from the fields of human resources, employment, and labour legislation, and the event served as an introduction to the largest and most influential employment and career development fair in BiH, which will bring together more than 100 companies and thousands of job seekers on October 6 and 7.



Emira Duratbegović, an expert in strategic human resources development, emphasized that today's candidates are increasingly demanding and assess employers in a record short time.

- If we want to be competitive in the labour market, we must adapt from the beginning. Employers who foster open communication and recognition have a chance to retain people. Today, employees put employers 'on probation', within three to four months, not years anymore - stated Duratbegović.

She warned of the gap between what employers think they offer and what employees actually expect, emphasizing the importance of feedback, investment in people, and the readiness of institutions to cope with the challenges of engaging foreign workers.

Nermana Ajanović-Hajdarpašić, Head of Products and Marketing at Alma Career BH (MojPosao.ba), presented the latest data on the labour market.

- The highest demand for employees is currently in the trade sector, followed by business process outsourcing, transport, and hospitality. Salespersons, drivers, warehouse workers, and cooks are particularly sought after, and in finance, bookkeepers and accountants - said Ajanović-Hajdarpašić.

She added that employers most often hire candidates with secondary vocational education or without qualifications, whom they then train themselves. However, statistics do not only show where workers are sought but also how much it is necessary to modernize regulations and employment services to keep pace with demand.

Ernis Imamović, Assistant Minister for Labour, Occupational Safety, and Employment, emphasized that the current intermediation system does not meet the needs of employers and workers.

- Something is clearly not working if employers and workers are turning to private agencies. This indicates that public employment services must undergo serious reform - stated Imamović.

According to him, the goal is to retain young people in the country and create a modern Labour Law through social dialogue between employers, workers, and the state.



- We are seeking a long-term solution, which is investment in human capital and retaining young people, because they are the ones who bring added value to our country and system. The import of foreign labour, on the other hand, represents a temporary and transitional solution, and should be viewed as such - emphasized Imamović.

The discussion showed that the labour market in BiH is undergoing rapid changes: from new generations seeking balance and recognition, to employers who must train their own workers, to the state that must prepare legal reforms.

The Job Fair "Look for a Job for Yourself" will be held on October 6 and 7, 2025, at the Hotel Hills in Sarajevo and represents the largest employment platform in the Federation of BiH. It will bring together over a hundred employers from all parts of FBiH and thousands of job seekers and those who wish to advance their careers.

A mobile application "Look for a Job for Yourself" will also be available to visitors, through which they can apply for jobs that match their qualifications and interests.

Admission to the fair is free and open to all interested citizens, with organized free transportation from cities across FBiH. More information about the Fair can be found at this link.