Talent shortage: These are the hardest roles to fill in Europe

Talent Shortage: These are the hardest roles to fill in Europe

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, Europe’s labor market faces mounting challenges in adapting to new demands. A 2026 Manpower report reveals that AI and information technology are among the toughest positions to secure, with employers struggling to find qualified candidates. The survey, spanning 41 nations and 39,000 businesses, underscores a significant gap between available talent and required skills.

Country-Specific Talent Gaps

The data highlights stark disparities across regions. Slovakia tops the list, with 87% of managers unable to meet staffing needs, closely followed by Greece and Japan at 84%, Germany at 83%, and Portugal at 82%. In contrast, countries like China (48%), Poland (57%), Finland (60%), and the Czech Republic (61%) report fewer recruitment difficulties.

Within Europe, the supply-demand imbalance has grown sharply over the past decade. The shortage rate rose from roughly 40% in 2006 to 72% by 2026, a surge attributed to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. While large enterprises with 1,000 or more employees face the most pressing issues (with at least 74% reporting gaps), smaller firms also experience challenges.

Industry Recruitment Challenges

Several sectors are particularly hard-hit. IT remains a top priority, with 75% of employers citing difficulties in hiring. Hospitality, health, and scientific services also rank high, each with around 74% and 73% of firms struggling to fill roles. Meanwhile, logistics poses a challenge in Belgium, Ireland, and Norway, while Greece uniquely requires HR professionals at a 21% rate.

Across the continent, demand for specific expertise varies. The UK and much of Europe emphasize AI and IT, seeking individuals skilled in AI models (19%), app development (17%), and traditional data management (17%). France also prioritizes AI and IT, but manufacturing skills are in high demand there. In contrast, Sweden, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia highlight a need for engineers, with 26% to 31% of employers expressing this demand.

Employer Strategies for Talent Shortages

Despite the shortage, most business leaders focus on internal solutions. The report notes that “upskilling & reskilling current employees” is the most common approach, cited by 27% of respondents. Other internal methods, such as flexible schedules (20%) and increased salaries (19%), are also favored. External recruitment, however, ranks lower, with only 18% of employers prioritizing it, tied with remote work flexibility.

“The most common answer to fixing the shortage, according to the research, is, in fact, ‘upskilling & reskilling current employees.’”