- April 29, 2025
- Interesting Articles, Latest News
There is no shortage of people. There is a shortage of good job offers.
The Labour Market: Who Chooses Whom?
More and more employers keep repeating the phrase “There are no people.” But the real question is different: are there not enough candidates, or are there simply not enough attractive job offers?
4–5%
Even lower in some regions
Historically High
IT, finance, real estate, engineering
An Active Party
They choose, not just wait
People Are Available, but They Choose Carefully
Employers who offer “market-average salaries” while expecting to attract top professionals are often disappointed. With low unemployment and increasing competition for talent, candidates are no longer simply looking for a new job — they are looking for a better opportunity.
Today, employees usually change jobs only when a new offer provides a genuine improvement:
- Higher compensation
- Flexible working hours
- A better company culture
- Real career development opportunities
The Modern Candidate Is Informed and Selective
Today’s candidates expect:
- Transparency regarding salary and employment conditions directly in the job advertisement
- Work-life balance, including remote or hybrid working options
- Respect and opportunities for development, rather than simply a static position
“Are we offering a compelling enough reason for someone to choose our company?” — this is the question employers should ask themselves instead of “Why are there no people?”
Annual Salary Reviews Are a Necessity, Not Just Good Practice
Without regular adjustments, employees’ real purchasing power decreases every year.
Better offers from competing employers can attract valuable talent away from the company.
Regular reviews demonstrate recognition of employees’ contributions and build the company’s reputation as a fair employer.
What an Annual Salary Review Should Consider
- Inflation data
- Current market salary levels for comparable positions
- Individual performance and contribution
- Transparent communication of the salary review policy — how, when, and according to which principles salaries are adjusted
Candidates Expect More. Businesses Face Real Limitations.
Strong companies offer genuine value, not simply “a job.” In a world of choice, the overall value of the offer determines the candidate’s level of interest.
- High operating costs — rent, energy, and logistics
- Economic uncertainty, inflation, and market volatility
- Competition from international companies with larger budgets
- Complex regulatory frameworks and tax burdens
The solution lies in finding a sustainable balance: gradual salary increases linked to productivity, investment in employee training, and the optimisation of work processes.
The Bulgarian labour market is evolving, and both companies and employees need to adapt their expectations and strategies.
Horizons Bulgaria is a trusted partner between companies and candidates in an evolving labour market. We help build sustainable teams by refining recruitment strategies, advising on attractive employment offers, and providing flexible solutions including EOR services and comprehensive HR support.
Ready to Attract the Best Talent?
Let our team help you develop employment offers and recruitment strategies that genuinely win candidates over.