Tea with Reason: Solving Slovenia's Workforce Puzzle

When 09:00 - 11:00
Where Catering Lab

Slovenia is at a crossroads in its workforce evolution. With key industries facing a shortage of talent across all levels – from highly specialized biotech professionals to essential roles like bus drivers and hospitality workers – addressing these challenges has become a critical priority. This event delves into the challenges of talent acquisition and retention, offering insights into innovative solutions that pave the way for a sustainable and inclusive labor market. The panels are intricately connected: while the first focuses on identifying and addressing immediate gaps in the labor market, the second builds on these discussions by exploring how to create environments where diverse and talented teams can thrive, ensuring that the workforce we attract today becomes the backbone of Slovenia’s future economy.

Program:

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration and Networking

9:00 AM - 9:05 AM | Opening Remarks

Welcome by the moderator and the BSCC CEO

9:05 AM - 9:15 AM | Leaders’ Top Talk

9:15 AM - 9:55 AM | Panel 1: Bridging the Talent Gap – Meeting the Demand for Deficitiary Jobs

Slovenia faces a growing demand for workers in roles that locals are increasingly reluctant to fill, such as bus drivers and hospitality staff, while also experiencing a critical shortage of highly qualified talent in sectors like biotech and pharma, which require attracting professionals from abroad. This panel will tackle the realities of acquiring talent for essential industries, highlighting how businesses and policymakers can address systemic obstacles, from labor laws to international recruitment. We’ll start with a brief presentation on workforce trends over the next 5-10 years, setting the stage for real-world examples from panelists (qualified expert from an institution that has the relevant data and insight).

9:55 AM - 10:00 AM | Audience Q&A

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM | Panel 2: Redefining Employee Value – Strategies for Retention, Growth, Engagement, and Integration

As Slovenia attracts new talent to fill critical workforce gaps, the focus must shift to creating an environment where these workers feel welcomed, valued, and motivated to stay. This panel will explore how businesses can retain and integrate both local and international employees by fostering inclusive workplaces, supporting cultural and professional integration, and ensuring sustainable long-term engagement. Building on the themes from the first panel, this discussion will explore broad strategies for fostering a workforce that feels integrated, supported, and motivated, creating an environment where talent can thrive and contribute sustainably to Slovenia’s economy.

10:40 AM - 10:50 AM | Audience Q&A

10:50 AM - 11:00 AM | Closing Remarks

The speakers will be announced shortly. The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the program. This event is free of charge and will be conducted in English. Registration in advance via this link is required.