Talent Hiring in Eastern Europe: Here’s What You Need to Know 

In recent years, Eastern Europe has emerged as a hotbed for talent, and has been successfully garnering attention from companies across various verticals. With a skilled workforce, competitive costs, and a favorable business environment, Eastern Europe offers immense potential for talent hiring. 

Read on to learn more about the best East European countries that have a promising talent pool, advantages of such hiring, and more!

Why Eastern Europe?

Eastern Europeans have been recognized for their exceptional talent in the global tech industry, with reports and rankings consistently highlighting their expertise. While Silicon Valley and its tech giants dominate the tech scene in the United States, other countries have also made significant strides in the sector. In terms of hiring top-tier developers, however, the United States falls short on a global scale. 

According to the 2021 Global Skills Index by HackerRank, Poland and Ukraine rank 6th and 11th, respectively, out of 140 nations for developer proficiency in areas like Python, Java, and algorithms.

Furthermore, Eastern European countries boast prestigious tech hubs and have seen impressive growth in the IT industry, indicated by Romania’s 13.4% increase in the tech workforce between 2014 and 2019, as reported in the 2020 Tech Nation Report.

Top 5 Countries for Finding the Right Talent in Eastern Europe 

In terms of global talent acquisition, several countries in Eastern Europe offer an excellent scope for talent hiring. Here are a few countries and their advantages:

#1 Poland

Poland has emerged as a strong player in the global market, thanks to its well-developed education system and abundance of highly skilled professionals. The country excels in the fields of IT, engineering, and finance, attracting companies looking for competent workforce. 

Poland offers a favorable business environment that is conducive to growth, with competitive costs and an increasing number of multinational corporations setting up their operations in the country. With its strategic location, access to European markets, and supportive government policies, Poland continues to attract foreign investments and talent.

#2 Ukraine

Ukraine has gained a reputation as the “Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe” due to its strong IT talent pool. Ukrainian IT professionals are highly sought after for their technical expertise and innovation capabilities, making the country an attractive destination for businesses looking to outsource their IT needs. Ukraine offers competitive costs, allowing companies to reduce their expenses without compromising on quality. 

Additionally, English proficiency is widespread among IT professionals in Ukraine, which makes communication and collaboration easier for international clients. The country also boasts a vast number of IT outsourcing companies, providing a wide range of services to meet diverse business needs.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has undoubtedly had a significant impact on talent hiring in the country. The war has created a challenging environment for businesses, making it increasingly difficult to attract and retain skilled professionals. Many talented individuals have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere, causing a significant brain drain. 

Besides, the uncertainty and instability caused by the conflict have deterred foreign companies from investing and setting up operations in Ukraine, limiting job opportunities for local talent. 

Despite these challenges, there are resilient individuals and organizations working towards maintaining a thriving tech industry in Ukraine, showcasing the unwavering spirit and determination of the Ukrainian people.

#3 Romania

Romania is recognized for its strong technical education system and a growing pool of IT professionals. The country offers a cost advantage, as highly skilled professionals are available at comparatively lower wages compared to other European countries. Romania enjoys a stable economy, making it an attractive investment destination. 

Plus, it has made significant strides in building a robust IT infrastructure, providing a solid foundation for businesses to thrive. 

With a strong focus on technology and innovation, Romania offers a supportive environment for companies looking to tap into a talented pool of professionals and take advantage of the country’s favorable business conditions.

#4 Czech Republic

The Czech Republic boasts a highly skilled workforce, particularly in the fields of engineering and manufacturing. The country’s strong educational base ensures a steady supply of talented professionals who are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. The favorable business environment, characterized by low corruption levels and supportive government policies, attracts foreign investors and multinational companies. 

Language proficiency is generally high, with many Czech professionals being proficient in English, making communication and collaboration seamless. The country’s cultural compatibility with Western Europe further enhances its appeal as a business destination, providing a smooth transition for international companies.

#5 Hungary

Hungary places a strong emphasis on technical education and research, resulting in a talented workforce in fields such as engineering, technology, and science. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has emerged as a thriving hub for startups and innovative companies, attracting talent from across the region and beyond. 

The country’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, along with its access to funding and supportive ecosystem, encourages the growth of startups and the development of innovative solutions. Hungary’s strategic location in Central Europe also positions it as a gateway to both Western and Eastern European markets, attracting businesses looking to expand their reach.

These countries offer a combination of factors such as a skilled workforce, competitive costs, favorable business environments, language proficiency, and cultural compatibility, making them attractive destinations for global talent acquisition. 

However, the specific requirements of each organization may vary, and it is advisable to conduct thorough research and assess the needs of your business before deciding on the best country for talent hiring.

Benefits of Outsourcing Talent from Eastern Europe 

Eastern Europe offers immense potential for talent hiring. Here’s how!

Expanding Talent Pool

Eastern Europe boasts a large and diverse talent pool, fueled by a strong education system and a focus on technical and STEM-related subjects. 

Countries like Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and the Czech Republic have a rich pool of highly skilled professionals in areas such as IT, engineering, finance, and customer service. This wide range of expertise opens up a plethora of opportunities for businesses seeking specific skill sets.

Competitive Costs and Favorable Business Environment

One of the major advantages of talent hiring in Eastern Europe is the cost factor. Although wages have been steadily rising, the cost of hiring talent in Eastern European countries is still comparatively lower than in Western Europe or the United States. 

Coupled with this, the region offers a favorable business environment with stable economies, government support, robust infrastructure, and an increasing number of multinational companies setting up operations.

Language Proficiency and Cultural Compatibility

Many Eastern European countries have a high level of language proficiency, with English being widely spoken. This is an advantage for businesses seeking talent with strong communication skills and the ability to work with international clients. 

Moreover, the cultural compatibility of Eastern European professionals often makes them adaptable and capable of seamlessly integrating into multinational teams.

Remote Work Capabilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of remote work capabilities. Eastern European countries have embraced remote work and have a rising number of professionals opting for flexible work arrangements. This provides opportunities for businesses to tap into a talented and experienced remote workforce, eliminating location barriers.

Why Collaborating with an International Recruitment Company is the Key to Hiring Top Talent in Eastern Europe

A leading international recruitment company like Tarmack can greatly assist in hiring talent from Eastern Europe by leveraging their extensive network and expertise in the region. We identify and connect with highly skilled professionals in Eastern European countries, making it easier for companies to find and hire the right talent for their specific needs. 

Additionally, we have in-depth knowledge of local labor laws, cultural nuances, and market conditions, which allows us to navigate the hiring process smoothly and ensure compliance. 

With us, you can access a larger pool of qualified candidates, streamline the recruitment process, and secure top talent from Eastern Europe.