A recently conducted Eurobarometer survey has shed light on the persistent challenge of skills shortages faced by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across all EU member states and sectors.
Skills Shortages Across All Company Sizes:
The survey reveals that skills shortages have become a serious concern for businesses of all sizes in Europe. As indicated by the study, 53% of micro companies, 65% of small companies, and 68% of medium-sized companies have identified skills shortages as a significant problem. Alarmingly, over the past two years, 61% of micro companies and 80% of medium-sized companies struggled to find and hire staff with the necessary skills.
Demand for Technically Trained Staff:
Among the various roles impacted by skills shortages, SMEs encounter the most significant challenges in finding qualified staff for technically trained positions. Approximately 42% of European SMEs reported shortages of qualified staff, with the scarcity being particularly pronounced in the industry and manufacturing sectors.
Impacts on SMEs:
Skills shortages have diverse consequences on SMEs, manifesting in increased workloads for existing employees, missed sales opportunities, reduced profitability, and hindered growth. The inability to fill key positions with skilled professionals creates significant bottlenecks and limits an SME’s potential for success and innovation.
Recruitment from Other EU Member States:
Despite the widespread skills shortages, only 14% of SMEs currently resort to recruiting staff from other EU Member States as a solution. Although this percentage is higher among larger SMEs, language barriers and administrative difficulties pose significant obstacles to increasing the recruitment of qualified personnel across the EU.
Policy Support and Further Improvements:
The survey highlights a relative satisfaction among SMEs regarding the policy support received to address skills shortages. However, there is room for improvement. Micro companies predominantly prioritize fiscal incentives (39%) and direct subsidies (28%) as supportive measures, while medium-sized companies emphasize the importance of training for upskilling (38%).
The Eurobarometer survey on skills shortages among SMEs in the EU provides vital insights into the magnitude and impact of this persistent challenge. With the release of the survey results, policymakers are better equipped to understand and address the urgent need to bridge the skills gap. The EU’s ongoing efforts, such as the SME relief package and initiatives to facilitate the recognition of qualifications and skills, are crucial steps towards ensuring that SMEs have access to the right talent for sustained growth and competitiveness in the evolving European economy.
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