From a research perspective, Slovakia’s job vacancy data from 2015 to 2024 highlights important shifts in labor market demand. The vacancy rate rose steadily from 0.9% in 2015 to 1.2% in 2018, indicating strong economic expansion and increasing hiring pressure on employers. A slight moderation occurred in 2019 (1.1%), before a significant drop to 0.8% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced business activity. As the economy recovered, the rate improved to 0.9% in 2021 and 1.1% in 2022, showing renewed recruitment demand. Stability continued in 2023 (1.1%), followed by a rise to 1.2% in 2024, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Overall, the data suggests a tightening labor market, where ongoing worker shortages are becoming a structural challenge for Slovak employers.
