With a magnificent blend of different cultures and a relatively economic and social stability, Europe is for many professionals worldwide a land of opportunity. European employees have been moving across the region both for better career prospects or to give their families a better life.
The global market is ever changing and Europe is without exception part of this transformation. ADP — a Human Ressource Management company, recently released an insight into the European labour market, highlighting current mobility trends. About 10,000 European professionals have shared their views on Europe's labour market and explained why they are seeking new opportunities abroad.
Pessimism connected with career stagnation, political uncertainties, economic crisis, and Brexit negotiations are some of the ongoing affairs in Europe that lead many citizens to consider expatriation. The young generation being adventurous, liberal, diverse, and nomadic is also seeing expatriation as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
The most attractive countries for European professionals
Germany appears to be the most attractive country for European professionals, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Austria. Belgium, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, and Italy have also been attracting many expats. Among the top destinations for European professionals outside Europe are the USA and Canada.
Germany — Europe's major economic powerhouse — is particularly popular with Spanish, Polish, Italian, and Dutch expats. Switzerland has been attracting more German, French, and Italian workers while the Swiss would rather move to Germany and France.
Τhe most mobile employees in Europe
Movement within Europe is the obvious choice for European professionals as it involves fewer formalities and practicalities — first and foremost no visa or work permit is needed. However, among the European nationalities, there are significant differences. For example, Italian (88%), Polish (86%), and Spanish (85%) employees are keener on moving abroad, especially due to high unemployment rates or lack of career prospects in their home countries. On the contrary, less French and British professionals have been moving abroad for work in the past years. In fact, nearly half of them say that they are not even interested in that option.
It is also worth noting some significant contrasts when comparing different sectors. IT and telecommunications professionals are more likely (87%) to move abroad, probably due to the high demand for their transferable skills. On the other hand, healthcare professionals, are less likely to move.
Europe's labour market trends
Current labour market trends reveal that European professionals, especially the French and British, are less optimistic regarding their career prospects. A third of European professionals believe that their employers do not support their career progression and don't provide further training.
At the same time, one in five workers believes they don't have sufficient skills for better career prospects in their home country. Globalisation and digital innovation have a significant impact on the labour market, as employers worldwide prefer workers who have the so called skills of the future (e.g. technology, language, social intelligence, etc.).
For Europeans, the term “job for life” is now outdated. While Italian employees are the most loyal to their employers, the Polish and British are the least. Lack of motivation at work is reported as one of the key reasons to leave one job and look for another, maybe abroad. For others, higher wages and a better quality of life for their families are equally important.
On a more positive note, most workers, including expats, find in Europe the desired work-life balance — only a few of them have been experiencing excessive stress.
Leave us a comment: Are you happy with your career or would you consider moving to another European country?
