The 25th Pambianco Fashion Summit titled “The Fashion Industry and the Management of Uncertainty,” was held on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020. The event highlighted the impact the pandemic has had on global markets and the actions taken by companies to address this crisis.
Resulting from this year’s turbulent events, the luxury fashion sector was severely damaged by the global closure of shops, as well as by the lack of tourists – something still having an impact in European markets. The key component for facing adversity, common to all the interlocutors present at the summit, ultimately relies on “resilience.” Thanks to the willpower and team spirit, the featured companies present at the event expressed gratitude and satisfaction for the results obtained.
A recovery was highlighted in the third quarter, especially in the Asian market driven by China, where domestic consumers returned to travel, giving advantage to the areas where tax-free poles have been created (Hainan) and ultimately enabling those to benefit from the new concessions introduced by the government.
From the analysis conducted by PwC on Millennials and Generation Z, it has been discovered that in the new normal, consumers will have greater attention to the price of products and will seek a safe and accessible customer experience. Engagement will be shifted towards digital and companies will have to place more and more attention to issues relating to sustainability.
If the number of consumers who moved their shopping channel online during Covid-19 has increased in all markets, and that number will no longer return to pre-pandemic levels, it is also true that the physical brick & mortar store will continue to represent an important space for the consumer; consumers want to “touch and feel” and will continue to seek that. Omnichannel is now essential, and it has to allow a true integration between physical and digital, giving rise to a “phy-gital” shopping experience.
Another interesting find, provided by Silvio Campara, CEO of Golden Goose, underlined how the crisis has definitively changed the way of approaching the consumer, who can no longer be defined by the 4 P model (Place / Product / Price / Promotion) but from a new model based on 4 Cs (Consumer / Community / Conversations / Consideration) that all revolve around People.
A key role in the world of fashion is certainly played by Italy, where 41% of European fashion production takes place. Furthermore, 60% of the high-end product is produced in Italy (data: National Chamber of Fashion). Italian textiles and clothing allocate about 66% of their production to exports (data: Confindustria Moda). Fashion is, therefore, the second most important industry at a national level and it is extremely important to protect the entire chain that goes from large brands to SMEs. In addition to the issues of sustainability and digitalization – in order to overcome the crisis, it will be crucial also to focus on competencies and on the training of people (both for technical roles and within the retail locations): this strategy will protect the fashion chain and create added value.
Even if the numbers are still not trending positive, signs of cautious optimism came from the summit; once the health crisis is resolved, consumers will return to travel and choose European markets for their purchases because they are more advantageous to them. Ultimately, a new approach to the global consumer and an organic integration between online and offline will allow for greater engagement and the possibility of a complete customer experience.
Unmasking Brilliance: Empowering Strategies to Conquer Imposter Syndrome
Managing the impostor phenomenon during a job interview can be a daunting task, but with some guidance from a recruiter, candidates can navigate this challenge more effectively. First and foremost, it's essential for candidates to acknowledge that they are not alone in experiencing these feelings of self-doubt. Impostor syndrome is more common than one might think, even among highly successful individuals. Understanding that these feelings are normal can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with them. Secondly, candidates should focus on their achievements and qualifications. Before the interview, it's crucial to review their resume and remind themselves of their accomplishments. By emphasizing their strengths and past successes, candidates can boost their confidence and counteract feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, they should prepare specific examples of how their skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Being well-prepared with concrete evidence can help candidates feel more self-assured during the interview. Furthermore, it's essential for candidates to practice positive self-talk. They should challenge negative thoughts and replace them with affirmations of their capabilities. Recruiters recommend practicing mindfulness techniques to stay present during the interview and avoid getting caught up in self-doubt. Breathing exercises and visualization can be particularly helpful in staying calm and focused. Lastly, seeking support from a mentor or coach can be invaluable. A trusted advisor can provide valuable feedback, help candidates recognize their worth, and offer guidance on how to handle the impostor phenomenon. Overall, by acknowledging their feelings, focusing on their achievements, practicing positive self-talk, and seeking support, candidates can effectively manage the impostor phenomenon during a job interview, increasing their chances of presenting themselves confidently and securing the desired position. Example how Consea has helped candidates navigate Imposter Syndrome During a recent interview for a senior HR management position, the candidate, let's call her Melissa, exhibited classic signs of Imposter Syndrome. Melissa had an impressive resume with years of experience in her field, yet as soon as the interview started, she seemed uneasy. As I delved into her accomplishments and expertise, she downplayed her achievements, attributing them to luck or teamwork rather than acknowledging her own skills. It was clear that she struggled with recognizing her worth and was haunted by the fear of not being as capable as her credentials suggested. In an attempt to address this, I shifted the conversation to focus on specific projects she had led. I asked for details about challenges faced, strategies employed, and outcomes achieved. As she passionately described her experiences, it became evident that her contributions were significant and impactful. This scenerio highlighted the importance of not just evaluating a candidate's qualifications on paper but also understanding their self-perception and mindset. Here at Consea, I, as a headhunter, benefited from delving deeper into the psychological aspects of the candidate to uncover hidden potential and help them overcome Imposter Syndrome during the interview process. Author: Julia Galloway, Human Resources Business Partner
The Next Competitive Advantage Won’t Be Artificial Intelligence. It Will Be Human Intelligence
For decades, companies and nations built their competitive advantage by accumulating knowledge. The world's leading universities, research centers, access to information and ability to develop specialized talent created barriers that few competitors could overcome. This logic shaped the knowledge economy and defined what organizations looked for in their leaders. For the first time, that paradigm is beginning to change. Artificial intelligence is democratizing access to knowledge at an unprecedented pace. Information, research, analytical models and strategic insights that once required years of experience or large teams of specialists can now be accessed in seconds. This does not diminish the importance of artificial intelligence. On the contrary, it is likely to become the most transformative technology of our generation. Its greatest impact, however, may not be the creation of more knowledge, but the fact that knowledge itself is becoming less of a competitive differentiator. As knowledge becomes increasingly accessible, competitive advantage shifts from knowing more to interpreting better. The ability to ask the right questions, connect seemingly unrelated ideas, understand complex contexts and make sound decisions when there are no obvious answers becomes far more valuable than simply having access to information. In other words, as artificial intelligence expands our capacity to know, human intelligence becomes the critical factor in turning knowledge into judgment. This shift creates a particularly compelling opportunity for Brazil and Latin America. For decades, the region has largely been defined by its challenges: economic volatility, regulatory uncertainty, political change, currency fluctuations and business environments where unpredictability has often been the norm. While these conditions have traditionally been viewed as obstacles to growth, they have also shaped a generation of leaders who have learned to make decisions under uncertainty, adapt strategies with speed and lead organizations in environments where change is constant rather than exceptional. At Consea, we are seeing this reality become increasingly evident in our international assignments. Global organizations are no longer looking only for executives with strong technical credentials. They are looking for leaders capable of exercising sound judgment in ambiguous situations, building trust across cultures, balancing competing priorities and transforming uncertainty into strategic direction. Technical expertise remains essential, but it is no longer enough to explain why certain executives consistently stand out in a global environment. This may help explain why Brazilian and Latin American executives are gaining increasing recognition in leadership roles around the world. The experience of operating in highly complex markets has developed capabilities that are difficult to replicate in more predictable environments. Judgment, adaptability, resilience, systems thinking and the ability to lead people through uncertainty have evolved from desirable leadership qualities into essential competitive advantages. Artificial intelligence will continue to redefine the way organizations operate, but it cannot replace judgment. It cannot build trust, understand the subtle dynamics of organizational culture or assume responsibility for decisions that shape the future of a business. As knowledge becomes more widely available, the leaders who create the greatest value will be those who know how to apply it with discernment, perspective and long-term vision. Perhaps the most profound impact of artificial intelligence will not be technological, but human. By democratizing knowledge, it highlights a simple reality: the true competitive advantage of any organization will continue to depend on the quality of the decisions made by its leaders. In that respect, Brazil and Latin America may have far more to contribute to the future of global leadership than they are often given credit for. Markets develop companies. Complexity develops leaders. Author: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brazil Versão em português
A próxima vantagem competitiva não será a inteligência artificial. Será a inteligência humana.
Durante décadas, empresas e países construíram sua vantagem competitiva a partir da capacidade de acumular conhecimento. As melhores universidades, os maiores centros de pesquisa, o acesso às melhores informações e a formação de especialistas criaram barreiras competitivas que pareciam intransponíveis. Foi essa lógica que definiu a economia do conhecimento e moldou o perfil dos líderes mais valorizados nas últimas décadas. Pela primeira vez, esse paradigma começa a mudar. A inteligência artificial está democratizando o acesso ao conhecimento em uma velocidade sem precedentes. Informações, análises, pesquisas e modelos que antes exigiam anos de experiência ou grandes equipes especializadas hoje podem ser acessados em poucos segundos. Isso não reduz a importância da inteligência artificial. Ao contrário, ela será provavelmente a tecnologia mais transformadora da nossa geração. No entanto, seu efeito mais profundo talvez não seja produzir mais conhecimento, mas reduzir o valor competitivo de simplesmente possuí-lo. Quando o conhecimento se torna amplamente acessível, a vantagem deixa de estar em quem sabe mais e passa a estar em quem interpreta melhor. A capacidade de formular as perguntas certas, conectar informações aparentemente desconexas, compreender contextos complexos e tomar decisões quando não existe uma resposta evidente torna-se muito mais relevante do que o simples acesso à informação. Em outras palavras, à medida que a inteligência artificial amplia nossa capacidade de conhecer, cresce também a importância da inteligência humana para transformar conhecimento em julgamento. Essa mudança cria uma oportunidade particularmente interessante para o Brasil e para a América Latina. Durante muito tempo, nossa região foi percebida principalmente pelos desafios que enfrenta: volatilidade econômica, mudanças regulatórias frequentes, instabilidade política, oscilações cambiais e um ambiente de negócios marcado pela imprevisibilidade. Embora esses fatores tenham sido frequentemente tratados como obstáculos ao desenvolvimento, eles também moldaram uma geração de líderes acostumados a decidir em cenários de elevada complexidade, adaptar estratégias rapidamente e conduzir organizações em ambientes onde a única constante é a mudança. Na Consea, observamos essa realidade de forma cada vez mais clara em nossos projetos internacionais. Empresas globais não procuram apenas executivos com sólida formação técnica. Procuram líderes capazes de exercer discernimento em contextos ambíguos, construir confiança entre diferentes culturas, equilibrar interesses conflitantes e transformar incerteza em direção estratégica. O conhecimento técnico continua sendo indispensável, mas já não basta para explicar por que determinados executivos se destacam em um ambiente global cada vez mais complexo. Talvez essa seja uma das razões pelas quais profissionais brasileiros e latino-americanos vêm ganhando espaço em posições estratégicas ao redor do mundo. A experiência adquirida em mercados desafiadores desenvolveu competências que dificilmente podem ser reproduzidas em ambientes mais previsíveis. Julgamento, capacidade de adaptação, resiliência, visão sistêmica e habilidade para liderar pessoas em momentos de incerteza deixaram de ser características desejáveis para se tornarem competências centrais da liderança contemporânea. A inteligência artificial continuará evoluindo e redefinindo a forma como as organizações operam. No entanto, ela não substitui discernimento, não constrói confiança, não compreende as nuances de uma cultura organizacional e tampouco assume a responsabilidade pelas decisões que definirão o futuro de uma empresa. Quanto mais o conhecimento se torna acessível, maior tende a ser o valor daqueles capazes de utilizá-lo com equilíbrio, senso crítico e visão de longo prazo. Talvez a maior transformação provocada pela inteligência artificial não seja tecnológica, mas humana. Ao democratizar o conhecimento, ela torna evidente que a verdadeira vantagem competitiva das organizações continuará sendo a qualidade das decisões tomadas por seus líderes. E, nesse aspecto, acreditamos que Brasil e América Latina têm muito mais a oferecer ao mundo do que normalmente se reconhece. Mercados desenvolvem empresas. A complexidade desenvolve líderes. Autor: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brazil
India’s Labour Market: Navigating Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategic Growth
As companies continue to reassess their global operating models, India has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for investment, manufacturing, and talent acquisition. Supported by favorable demographics, competitive labour costs, and a rapidly expanding economy, the country is increasingly becoming a key component of international growth and diversification strategies.
A Favourable Macroeconomic Environment
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, India is now the world's most populous nation. This demographic advantage provides organizations with access to a vast and continuously growing labour pool across a wide range of sectors and skill levels. From a cost perspective, India remains highly competitive. While labour costs have risen significantly in China over the past two decades, India continues to offer comparatively lower wage structures, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, business services, and technology functions. Combined with government initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening industrial capabilities, this has contributed to sustained economic growth and increasing international interest. The country's expanding domestic market further enhances its attractiveness, allowing businesses to access both production capacity and growing consumer demand within a single market.
Why Global Companies Are Investing in India
Increasing geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruptions have accelerated the adoption of "China Plus One" strategies, encouraging organizations to diversify operations across multiple Asian markets. As a result, a growing number of multinational companies have already established or are establishing manufacturing facilities, engineering centres, shared service operations, and technology hubs throughout India. Industries such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing, and information technology have been particularly active in expanding their presence. The country's leading business centres continue to attract the majority of investment and talent. Key hubs include Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Ahmedabad, each offering distinct strengths in areas such as manufacturing, technology, financial services, and research and development.
Opportunities and Structural Challenges
While India's potential is significant, organizations must also navigate a number of structural and cultural complexities. One of the most frequently reported challenges is the leadership capability gap. Although the country produces a large number of highly qualified graduates and technical professionals, demand for experienced leaders often exceeds supply. Companies expanding their operations in India frequently encounter difficulties in recruiting professionals with 15-20+ years of experience who combine technical expertise, international exposure, strategic thinking, and people leadership skills. As a result, leadership hiring timelines are often significantly longer than in more mature markets, and retention of key talent has become a strategic priority. Cultural considerations also play an important role. India is characterized by considerable regional diversity and remains influenced by social structures that have evolved over centuries. Business practices, communication styles, and expectations around hierarchy can differ substantially from those commonly found in Western organizations. In addition, while the business environment has improved significantly, companies may still encounter challenges related to bureaucracy, regulatory complexity, and varying governance standards depending on the region and industry.
Talent and Leadership: The Critical Success Factor
As India continues to attract international investment, the competition for talent is intensifying. While access to talent is generally strong, employee retention remains a challenge in many sectors. In technology, engineering, shared services, and multinational environments, professionals are often presented with multiple opportunities, creating intense competition among employers. Organizations increasingly invest in employer branding, career development programs, leadership coaching, and internal mobility initiatives to improve retention and engagement.
Conclusion
India's long-term opportunity extends far beyond labour cost advantages. The organizations that will be most successful are those that approach India as a strategic talent market, investing in leadership development, employee engagement, succession planning, and organizational capability building. In an environment where competition for top talent continues to intensify, human capital strategy will increasingly determine which companies are able to translate India's growth potential into sustainable business success. Author: Matteo Scipioni Bertoli - Head of Business Development & Delivery APAC
Upskilling and reskilling are particularly important in 2026 as companies now operate in an environment shaped by rapid technological, demographic, and market changes. For HR, they are no longer just an added value but a core element of survival and growth strategy. Reskilling is the process of changing professional qualifications, in which employees acquire entirely new competencies or specializations. As a result, they can take on different responsibilities or perform new roles within the organization. Upskilling, on the other hand, refers to developing and deepening existing skills. Its goal is to increase effectiveness in one’s current role and better adapt to new requirements, tools, or technologies. In this case, development takes place within the same career path and focuses on strengthening current competencies.
The importance of reskilling and upskilling stems from: Automation and the growing popularity of AI The development of AI and automation means that many traditional tasks are being optimized and/or replaced by technology. As a result, employees will need to acquire new skills to work alongside automated systems or take on new roles created as a consequence of these changes. Additionally, organizations will need to invest in upskilling to ensure their workforce keeps pace with the latest technologies and methodologies. The skills gap Our experience in the Polish market highlights a growing reality: the gap between available skills and those required by organizations is widening — and it is likely to remain a defining challenge for the labor market. High employee retention Amid growing competition for valuable employees, companies that offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities are more likely to retain team members who already possess experience and critical competencies. By providing opportunities for growth and internal mobility, organizations increase employee engagement and job satisfaction.
Challenges of upskilling/ reskilling Time and resource investment: Upskilling and reskilling require time, money, and resources, and must fit into employees’ schedules. You must obtain funding for training, integrate learning into daily workflows, or offer flexible learning options. Aligning skills with business goals: It’s essential to identify the right skills for future success and ensure learning initiatives match company priorities. Collaboration among HR, management, and department heads is key. Employee resistance: Some employees may not see the value in upskilling or fear job displacement. You need to communicate the benefits clearly and provide appropriate support throughout the process. Leadership support: As part of the HR team, you should make sure leaders constantly prioritize reskilling and upskilling. Evolving technology and learning fatigue: As tech evolves quickly, you must keep training content up-to-date and avoid overwhelming staff with irrelevant or repetitive material.
Summary
Reskilling and upskilling are no longer optional—they’re strategic moves for creating a future-ready workforce, and it’s your responsibility to guide employees through these critical transitions. When learning aligns with business objectives and employee needs, organizations have better flexibility, employee retention, and can close the talent gap. Upskilling and reskilling programs tailored to the company’s strategic evolution are like building up an always-on innovation pipeline fuelled by incredible talent. When companies lean into empowering employee growth through continuous skills development, they create opportunities that enable them to adapt to a shifting future – while attracting high performers who will ultimately drive the business forward. At Consea Group, we believe that investing in people is not just a response to change, but a proactive strategy to shape it. By aligning talent development with our Clients’ business goals, we help organizations attract and develop the competencies that enhance agility and build teams ready for the challenges of the future. Author: Iga Paszkiewicz – Recruitment Consultant PL
Upskilling and Reskilling: Dlaczego są kluczowe w 2026 roku
Upskilling i reskilling są szczególnie ważne w 2026 roku, ponieważ firmy funkcjonują dziś w środowisku szybkich zmian technologicznych, demograficznych i rynkowych. Dla HR to już nie tylko dodatek, ale również element strategii przetrwania i wzrostu. Reskilling to proces zmiany kwalifikacji zawodowych, w ramach którego pracownicy zdobywają zupełnie nowe kompetencje lub specjalizacje. Dzięki temu mogą realizować inne obowiązki lub pełnić odmienne role w organizacji niż dotychczas. Natomiast upskilling oznacza rozwijanie i pogłębianie już posiadanych umiejętności. Celem jest podniesienie efektywności w obecnej roli oraz lepsze dostosowanie się do nowych wymagań, narzędzi czy technologii. W tym przypadku rozwój odbywa się w obrębie tej samej ścieżki zawodowej i służy wzmacnianiu dotychczasowych kompetencji.
Kluczowość reskillingu i upskillingu wynika z: Automatyzacji i rosnącej popularności AI Postęp w obszarze sztucznej inteligencji i automatyzacji powoduje, że wiele dotychczasowych obowiązków jest usprawnianych lub przejmowanych przez technologie. W efekcie pracownicy będą musieli rozwijać nowe kompetencje, by efektywnie współpracować z systemami automatycznymi albo obejmować stanowiska powstające w wyniku tych zmian. Jednocześnie firmy staną przed koniecznością inwestowania w upskilling, tak aby ich zespoły mogły na bieżąco dostosowywać się do dynamicznie rozwijających się technologii i nowoczesnych metod pracy. Luki kompetencyjnej Nasze doświadczenia na polskim rynku pokazują rosnący trend: luka między dostępnymi umiejętnościami a tymi wymaganymi przez organizacje się powiększa — i prawdopodobnie pozostanie jednym z kluczowych wyzwań dla rynku pracy. Dużej retencji pracowników W warunkach nasilającej się rywalizacji o utalentowanych pracowników przedsiębiorstwa, które zapewniają możliwości upskillingu i reskillingu, mają większe szanse na utrzymanie doświadczonych osób posiadających kluczowe dla firmy kompetencje. Dając im perspektywę rozwoju oraz awansu wewnętrznego, organizacje wzmacniają ich zaangażowanie, lojalność i satysfakcję z wykonywanej pracy.
Wyzwania procesu Upskillingu / Reskillingu Inwestycja czasu i zasobów: Upskilling i reskilling wymagają czasu, pieniędzy oraz zasobów i muszą być dopasowane do harmonogramu pracy pracowników. Należy zabezpieczyć budżet na szkolenia, zintegrować naukę z codziennymi obowiązkami lub zapewnić elastyczne formy uczenia się. Dopasowanie kompetencji do celów biznesowych: Kluczowe jest zidentyfikowanie umiejętności niezbędnych do osiągnięcia przyszłego sukcesu oraz upewnienie się, że inicjatywy rozwojowe są zgodne z priorytetami firmy. Współpraca między HR, kadrą zarządzającą i menedżerami działów ma tu zasadnicze znaczenie. Opór pracowników: Niektórzy pracownicy mogą nie dostrzegać wartości upskillingu lub obawiać się utraty pracy. Konieczne jest jasne komunikowanie korzyści oraz zapewnienie odpowiedniego wsparcia na każdym etapie procesu. Wsparcie ze strony liderów: Jako członek zespołu HR powinieneś zadbać o to, aby liderzy konsekwentnie traktowali reskilling i upskilling jako priorytet. Dynamiczny rozwój technologii i zmęczenie nauką: W obliczu szybkiego rozwoju technologii należy regularnie aktualizować treści szkoleniowe oraz unikać przeciążania pracowników nieistotnymi lub powtarzalnymi materiałami.
Podsumowanie
Reskilling i upskilling przestały być dodatkiem – dziś stanowią element strategii budowania organizacji przygotowanej na przyszłe wyzwania, a Twoim zadaniem jest skutecznie przeprowadzić pracowników przez ten proces zmian. Gdy rozwój kompetencji jest powiązany zarówno z celami biznesowymi, jak i realnymi potrzebami zespołu, firma zyskuje większą elastyczność działania, poprawia poziom retencji oraz skuteczniej zmniejsza lukę kompetencyjną. Programy podnoszenia kwalifikacji i przekwalifikowania, dostosowane do strategicznej ewolucji firmy, są jak budowanie stale działającego „rurociągu” innowacji, napędzanego przez niezwykłe talenty. Organizacje, które świadomie wspierają rozwój pracowników poprzez ciągłe doskonalenie kompetencji, tworzą warunki do adaptacji w zmieniającej się rzeczywistości — a jednocześnie przyciągają najlepszych specjalistów, którzy ostatecznie napędzają rozwój biznesu. W Consea Group wierzymy, że inwestowanie w ludzi to nie tylko odpowiedź na zmiany, ale przede wszystkim proaktywna strategia ich kształtowania. Łącząc rozwój talentów z celami biznesowymi naszych Klientów, pomagamy organizacjom pozyskiwać i rozwijać kompetencje, które zwiększają ich zwinność oraz budują zespoły gotowe na wyzwania przyszłości.
Recruiters often ask themselves: “How can I find the best Candidate for my Client?” Of course, everything depends on the industry and the specifics of the role, but more and more often, there is a noticeable trend toward emphasizing the evaluation of soft skills in candidates. Why is this so important, and how can it be assessed during the recruitment process? Companies are increasingly preferring Candidates with well-developed interpersonal skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. In the face of automation and artificial intelligence, soft skills are becoming essential for career success. These abilities help individuals handle crises better, manage teams effectively, and ultimately contribute to the success of the organization. An interesting study was conducted in Poland during the Pracuj.pl Festival, where experts asked members of Generation Z about the most important skills used at work. As many as 54% of respondents indicated that soft skills (such as empathy, communication, and teamwork) are the most important. In second place (37%) were specialist skills (courses, industry knowledge), followed by foreign language proficiency in third place. This shows that the younger generation values flexibility, growth, and adaptability. Rapidly changing technologies are increasing the importance of soft skills, and employers appreciate people who can think critically, build relationships, and work collaboratively. The younger generation is fully aware that technical skills can quickly become outdated, while interpersonal abilities remain universally relevant. That is why young people are increasingly treating soft skills as a key asset. These skills allow them not only to adapt to different professional roles but also to manage their careers more effectively in the long term. Recruiters are increasingly using various methods to assess candidates’ soft skills in realistic scenarios. This approach helps them better understand how someone performs in real-world job situations. Here are some examples: 1. Case Studies and Practical Tasks These help assess candidates’ reactions to real-life challenges. Goal: To evaluate how the candidate approaches solving actual problems. Assessment: Analytical thinking, creativity, decision-making, task prioritization. Example: Solving a client problem, analyzing sales data, or creating a short action plan. 2. Behavioral Interviews Analyzing work experiences and problem-solving approaches. Goal: To understand how the candidate responded to specific past situations. Assessment: Communication, collaboration, stress resistance, initiative. Sample question: “Tell me about a time when you had to quickly adapt to a change in plans. How did you handle it?” 3. Assessment Centers Simulations of professional scenarios in group settings. Goal: Comprehensive evaluation in a simulated work environment. Assessment: Teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, flexibility. Tasks: Group discussions, presentations, decision-making games, role-playing. Conclusion As of 2025, recruitment focuses on identifying and developing candidates’ soft skills, which are crucial for success in a dynamic and diverse professional environment. The job market is evolving rapidly, and so are the expectations of both candidates and employers. Therefore, one of the key challenges for companies will be adapting recruitment processes to meet the demands of this new reality. If you want to stay up to date with the latest recruitment trends in the Polish market – and beyond – follow Consea! Our agency operates in Europe, North America, and Asia, which allows us to continuously expand our expertise in headhunting and share this knowledge with both Clients and Candidates. Umiejętności miękkie w rekrutacji
Osoby zajmujące się na co dzień rekrutacją często zadają sobie pytanie: „Jak znaleźć dla Klienta najlepszego Kandydata na dane stanowisko?”. Wszystko zależy oczywiście od branży i specyfiki roli, ale coraz częściej można zauważyć trend, jakim jest nacisk na badanie umiejętności miękkich osoby rekrutowanej. Dlaczego jest to tak ważne i jak można to sprawdzić podczas procesu rekrutacyjnego? Firmy coraz częściej preferują Kandydatów z rozwiniętymi umiejętnościami interpersonalnymi, takimi jak komunikacja, współpraca, kreatywność, rozwiązywanie problemów oraz zdolność adaptacji. W obliczu automatyzacji i sztucznej inteligencji, kompetencje miękkie stają się kluczowe dla sukcesu zawodowego. To one pozwalają lepiej radzić sobie w sytuacjach kryzysowych, efektywnie zarządzać zespołem, a co za tym idzie – wpływać na sukces organizacji. Ciekawe badanie zostało przeprowadzone w Polsce podczas Festiwalu Pracuj.pl, gdzie eksperci zapytali przedstawicieli pokolenia Z o najważniejsze umiejętności wykorzystywane w pracy. Aż 54% ankietowanych odpowiedziało, że to właśnie „umiejętności miękkie” (empatia, komunikatywność, umiejętność pracy w grupie) są najbardziej istotne. Na drugim miejscu (37%) znalazły się umiejętności specjalistyczne (kursy, wiedza branżowa), a trzecie miejsce zajęła znajomość języków obcych. To pokazuje, że młode pokolenie stawia na elastyczność, rozwój i zdolność adaptacji. Szybko zmieniające się technologie sprawiają, że umiejętności miękkie zyskują na znaczeniu, a pracodawcy doceniają osoby, które potrafią myśleć krytycznie, budować relacje i działać w zespole. Młode pokolenie doskonale zdaje sobie sprawę, że kompetencje techniczne mogą szybko się dezaktualizować, a zdolności interpersonalne pozostają uniwersalne. To właśnie dlatego młodzi ludzie coraz częściej traktują umiejętności miękkie jako kluczowy atut. Dzięki nim są w stanie nie tylko odnaleźć się w różnych rolach zawodowych, ale także skuteczniej zarządzać swoją karierą w dłuższej perspektywie. Rekruterzy coraz częściej wykorzystują różne metody, aby ocenić umiejętności miękkie Kandydatów w realistycznych scenariuszach. Takie podejście pozwala lepiej zrozumieć, jak dana osoba radzi sobie w rzeczywistych sytuacjach zawodowych. Oto przykłady: 1. Case studies i zadania praktyczne: Pozwalają sprawdzić reakcje na realne wyzwania. Cel: Sprawdzić, jak Kandydat podchodzi do rozwiązywania rzeczywistych problemów. Ocena: Myślenie analityczne, kreatywność, podejmowanie decyzji, priorytetyzacja zadań. Przykład: Rozwiązanie problemu Klienta, analiza danych sprzedażowych czy stworzenie krótkiego planu działań. 2. Wywiady behawioralne: Analiza doświadczeń zawodowych i podejścia do problemów. Cel: Zrozumieć, jak Kandydat reagował na konkretne sytuacje w przeszłości. Ocena: Komunikacja, współpraca, odporność na stres, inicjatywa. Przykład pytania: "Opowiedz o sytuacji, w której musiałeś szybko dostosować się do zmiany planu. Jak sobie poradziłeś?" 3. Assessment centers: Symulacje sytuacji zawodowych w zespołach. Cel: Kompleksowa ocena w warunkach symulacyjnych. Ocena: Praca zespołowa, przywództwo, rozwiązywanie konfliktów, elastyczność. Zadania: Dyskusje grupowe, prezentacje, gry decyzyjne, odgrywanie ról. Podsumowując, w 2025 roku rekrutacja koncentruje się na identyfikowaniu i rozwijaniu kompetencji miękkich Kandydatów, które są kluczowe dla sukcesu w dynamicznym i zróżnicowanym środowisku zawodowym. Rynek pracy zmienia się dynamicznie, a wraz z nim ewoluują oczekiwania zarówno Kandydatów, jak i pracodawców. Zatem kluczowym wyzwaniem dla firm będzie dopasowanie procesów rekrutacyjnych do nowych realiów. Jeśli chcesz być na bieżąco z aktualnymi trendami rekrutacji na rynku polskim (i nie tylko) – obserwuj Consea! Nasza agencja jest obecna m.in. w Europie, Ameryce Północnej i Azji, a to pozwala nam stale poszerzać naszą wiedzę w zakresie „headhuntingu” i dzielić się tymi kompetencjami zarówno z Klientami, jak i Kandydatami. Iga Paskiewicz - Recruitment Consultant
Retention, Culture & Leadership in 2026: Key Insights from IACCSE Seminars in Miami & Atlanta
In February, Consea had the pleasure of participating in two highly engaging seminars organized by the Italy‑America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) in Miami and Atlanta.
The sessions brought together executives and entrepreneurs from across the Italian‑American business community, all facing a common challenge: attracting, retaining, and developing talent in an increasingly competitive U.S. labor market. Drawing on Consea’s experience in executive search and human capital advisory, the workshops explored what truly drives retention in 2026 and how European‑headquartered companies can better understand — and meet — the expectations of their U.S. workforce.
Understanding the U.S. Talent Landscape
Today’s U.S. workforce is highly mobile, selective, and shaped by real‑time expectations around growth, recognition, and leadership presence.
While compensation remains important, it is rarely the decisive factor in turnover. Employees typically disengage long before they resign — when they feel undervalued, overlooked, or unable to envision a future in the organization. Three forces are shaping culture and retention in 2026: Belonging is built within teams, not only through senior leadership.
As AI permeates workflows, human connection becomes the differentiator.
Culture evolves through daily behaviors and rituals, not one‑off programs. For European companies operating in the U.S., this context requires a shift in pace, transparency, and communication.
U.S. Employees in 2026: What Makes Them Stay
Across both cities, leaders aligned on four elements that consistently influence U.S. retention: Clear, Visible Growth Opportunities Employees want to understand exactly what “the next step” looks like — including the skills required and available pathways. Generic development promises are no longer enough. Enabled and Present Managers Managers remain the strongest retention lever. Weekly clarity, short 1:1s, and timely recognition shape employees’ perception of their future. Authentic, Frequent Recognition Recognition must be real, specific, and timely. In an era of AI‑generated content, employees immediately sense when feedback feels automated or impersonal. Wellbeing as a Business KPI Wellbeing can no longer sit on the periphery. Employees expect it to be integrated into everyday culture, team rhythms, and leadership practices.
European Headquarters vs. U.S. Expectations: Common Gaps
For many European companies, the challenge is not lack of commitment — it is a misalignment of pace and visibility. The most common gaps discussed during the seminars included: Decision‑making speed and transparency
What feels like thoughtful evaluation in Europe can be interpreted as ambiguity in the U.S.
Continuous feedback vs. annual cycles
U.S. employees expect immediate, frequent input — not year‑end reviews.
Proof of internal mobility
Employees want visible examples of internal moves and concrete skill pathways. Addressing these gaps doesn’t require significant investment; it requires consistency and clarity.
Five High‑Impact, Low‑Cost Tactics Employers Can Implement Now
The seminars focused on practical actions that participants could deploy immediately, including: Quarterly Stay Interviews Three simple questions predict engagement early and allow managers to act before issues escalate. Structured 30/60/90‑Day Onboarding Retention starts on Day One. Identity‑building, early wins, and a buddy system dramatically improve outcomes. Weekly Micro‑Recognition Rituals A 10‑minute team ritual that reinforces progress and strengthens culture in real time. Personalized, AI‑Assisted Learning Paths AI can support managers by mapping skills and tailoring development — while keeping human connection at the center. Visible Skill and Career Paths for Each Role Publishing skill requirements and highlighting internal success stories builds trust and credibility. These practices become powerful when turned into predictable rituals, not episodic initiatives.
A Retention System Built for 2026
Throughout both events, a key message resonated:
Retention is not a program. It is a system. A system built on five integrated pillars: Listen — stay interviews, sentiment analysis, pulse checks
Enable Managers — toolkits, scripts, developmental support
Show Growth — transparent, personalized career pathways
Recognize — frequent, human, specific feedback
Integrate Wellbeing — into the lived daily experience Organizations that operationalize these practices see measurable improvements in performance, culture, and retention.
Closing Reflection
People stay where they feel seen, where they can grow, and where the culture they experience is real and consistent every day. Consea is proud to support companies across the Americas in building leadership effectiveness, organizational clarity, and talent systems capable of sustaining long‑term growth — especially for European organizations navigating the U.S. market. We extend our sincere thanks to the IACCSE and to all participants for the insightful discussions in Miami and Atlanta. For more information on how Consea supports organizations in executive search, leadership advisory, and human capital consulting, we invite you to connect with us. Author: Antonella Cerabona — Head of Americas, Consea Group
The New Executive Search in Brazil: The Silent War for Leaders Who Don’t Yet Exist
For decades, the Brazilian executive search market operated according to a relatively predictable logic: identifying executives with solid career trajectories, consistent industry experience, a track record of results, and strong political acumen. This model worked in a young Brazil, with a growing population, an abundant labor force, and relatively clear economic cycles. But the country has changed. And senior executive recruitment has not. Brazil is aging faster than companies can grasp. Brazil’s economically active population is undergoing a historic transformation. Between 2006 and 2020, the share of professionals over 50 in the formal labor market jumped from 12.6% to 19%. In absolute numbers, the total has nearly doubled: from 4.4 million to 8.7 million workers. The projections are even more striking: by 2040, six out of ten Brazilian workers will be over 45 years old. This completely changes the logic of the leadership pipeline in Brazil. The problem is that companies continue to hire CEOs and executives as if we were still in 2005. Meanwhile: 78% of Brazilian companies admit to having age barriers in hiring, 41% of Brazilian professionals report experiencing age discrimination in the corporate environment, and more than 65% of companies still lack structured generational inclusion programs. The math is harsh. Brazil is aging. Executives are aging. Consumers are aging. But selection criteria remain stuck in adolescence. Traditional executive search has always sought predictable patterns: specific universities; linear careers; similar international experiences; “safe” profiles; politically neutral leaders; executives molded to preserve structures. The problem is that the Brazilian business environment no longer rewards stability and has begun to reward extreme adaptability. The new high-performance executive is not necessarily the most technically skilled. Companies today need leaders capable of operating simultaneously across five tensions: growth with austerity; transformation with legacy; innovation with governance; speed with scarcity; artificial intelligence with human leadership. This radically alters the role of executive search. The search is no longer just for experience but for mental architecture. The Brazilian paradox: there is a shortage of ready-made leaders precisely when there is an excess of available experience. Brazil currently has more than 23.5 million professionals over the age of 50 active in the labor market. Yet boards continue to repeat a dangerously misguided phrase: “We can’t find ready successors.” They do find them. But they often dismiss these executives because the market has created a silent bias: associating youth with transformation and maturity with obsolescence. This is a strategic mistake. The coming decades will be less about technical knowledge and more about executive judgment. And judgment isn’t accelerated by an MBA. It is forged in crises. The next corporate war will be generational, and few companies are prepared to manage organizations where the following will coexist simultaneously: Baby Boomers;
Generation X;
Millennials;
Generation Z;
and, soon, Generation Alpha. Five generations coexisting within the same corporate structure represent more than just age diversity. They represent different relationships with power, authority, career, risk, loyalty, speed, technology, and purpose. Any company that fails to effectively manage this coexistence will face a structural problem with execution. The executive search of the future will not merely recruit functional leaders. It will recruit generational interpreters. Executive search is no longer just recruitment. It has become competitive intelligence. The best executive search processes no longer begin with a job description. They begin with a much deeper question:
“What kind of leadership will be needed to survive in Brazil over the next 10 years?”
That answer is rarely found within the company. Because the greatest corporate risk today is not technological. It is cognitive. Companies fail because they continue to make decisions using outdated mental maps. The true role of modern executive search is to break through thought bubbles. Not just to fill seats. Brazil will face a severe shortage of adaptive leadership, and in the coming years, the country will simultaneously grapple with: an aging population, a shortage of specialized talent, pressure for productivity, accelerated technological transformation, increased regulatory complexity, ESG pressure, and profound changes in consumer behavior. This will require a new category of executives. Fewer “process managers.” More transformation architects. The problem is that these leaders are rare. And rarity completely changes the game of executive search. In the near future, companies will not just compete for market share. They will compete for executive cognitive capacity. The most dangerous advice in the market today is: “bring in someone like the previous one.” That phrase has destroyed more companies than economic crises. The emerging Brazil demands different CEOs: more adaptable; less hierarchical; more human; more context-oriented; more emotionally resilient; and far better prepared to lead in ambiguity. Modern executive search can no longer be conservative. Because the Brazilian business environment is no longer. The question that will define the winners Brazilian companies still ask old questions: “Who has done this before?” “Who knows the industry?” “Who comes from a competitor?” “Who fits the cultural profile?” Winning companies will start asking something different:
“Who can lead a future we can’t yet describe?”
This will be the true frontier of executive search in Brazil. And it has already begun. Author: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brazil Sources: The main sources used for demographic data, the labor market, and projections were: IBGE, IPEA, Agência Brasil, and studies and analyses on age inclusion and professionals aged 50+.
O Novo Executive Search no Brasil: a Guerra Silenciosa pelos Líderes que Ainda Não Existem
Durante décadas, o mercado brasileiro de executive search operou sob uma lógica relativamente previsível: identificar executivos com trajetória sólida, experiência setorial consistente, histórico de resultados e boa capacidade política. Esse modelo funcionou em um Brasil jovem, em expansão populacional, abundante em mão de obra e com ciclos econômicos relativamente claros. Mas o país mudou. E o recrutamento de altos executivos ainda não. O Brasil está envelhecendo mais rápido do que as empresas conseguem entender. A população economicamente ativa brasileira está sofrendo uma transformação histórica. Entre 2006 e 2020, a participação de profissionais acima de 50 anos no mercado formal saltou de 12,6% para 19%. Em números absolutos, o total praticamente dobrou: de 4,4 milhões para 8,7 milhões de trabalhadores. As projeções são ainda mais impactantes: até 2040, seis em cada dez trabalhadores brasileiros terão mais de 45 anos. Isso muda completamente a lógica do leadership pipeline no Brasil. O problema é que as empresas continuam contratando CEOs e diretores como se ainda estivéssemos em 2005. Enquanto isso: 78% das empresas brasileiras admitem possuir barreiras etárias na contratação, 41% dos profissionais brasileiros relatam sofrer discriminação etária no ambiente corporativo, mais de 65% das empresas ainda não possuem programas estruturados de inclusão geracional. A matemática é cruel. O Brasil está envelhecendo. Os executivos estão envelhecendo. Os consumidores estão envelhecendo. Mas os critérios de seleção continuam adolescentes. O executive search tradicional sempre buscou padrões previsíveis: universidades específicas; carreiras lineares; experiências internacionais semelhantes; perfis “seguros”; líderes politicamente neutros; executivos moldados para preservar estruturas. O problema é que o ambiente de negócios brasileiro deixou de recompensar estabilidade e passou a premiar adaptabilidade extrema. O novo executivo de alta performance não é necessariamente o mais técnico. As empresas hoje precisam de líderes capazes de operar simultaneamente em cinco tensões: crescimento com austeridade; transformação com legado; inovação com governança; velocidade com escassez; inteligência artificial com liderança humana. Isso altera radicalmente o papel do executive search. A busca deixa de ser apenas por experiência e passa a ser por arquitetura mental. O paradoxo brasileiro: faltam líderes prontos justamente quando há excesso de experiência disponível. O Brasil possui hoje mais de 23,5 milhões de profissionais acima de 50 anos ativos no mercado de trabalho. Ainda assim, conselhos seguem repetindo uma frase perigosamente equivocada: “Não encontramos sucessores prontos.” Encontram, sim. Mas frequentemente descartam esses executivos porque o mercado criou um viés silencioso: associar juventude à transformação e maturidade à obsolescência. Isso é um erro estratégico. As próximas décadas serão menos sobre conhecimento técnico e mais sobre julgamento executivo. E julgamento não se acelera em MBA. Ele é construído em crises. A próxima guerra corporativa será geracional e poucas empresas estão preparadas para administrar organizações onde coexistirão simultaneamente: Baby Boomers;
Geração X;
Millennials;
Geração Z;
e, em breve, Geração Alpha. Cinco gerações convivendo na mesma estrutura corporativa não representam apenas diversidade etária. Representam diferentes relações com poder, autoridade, carreira, risco, lealdade, velocidade, tecnologia e propósito. A empresa que não souber liderar essa convivência terá um problema estrutural de execução. O executive search do futuro não recrutará apenas líderes funcionais. Recrutará tradutores geracionais. O executive search deixou de ser recrutamento. Tornou-se inteligência competitiva. Os melhores processos de busca de executivos não começam mais com uma job description. Começam com uma pergunta muito mais profunda:
“Que tipo de liderança será necessária para sobreviver ao Brasil dos próximos 10 anos?”
Essa resposta raramente está dentro da empresa. Porque o maior risco corporativo hoje não é tecnológico. É cognitivo. Empresas fracassam porque continuam tomando decisões usando mapas mentais ultrapassados. O verdadeiro papel do executive search moderno é romper bolhas de pensamento. Não apenas preencher cadeiras. O Brasil viverá uma escassez brutal de liderança adaptativa e nos próximos anos, o país enfrentará simultaneamente: envelhecimento populacional, escassez de talentos especializados, pressão por produtividade, transformação tecnológica acelerada, aumento da complexidade regulatória, pressão ESG, e mudanças profundas no comportamento de consumo. Isso exigirá uma nova categoria de executivos. Menos “gestores de processos”. Mais arquitetos de transformação. O problema é que esses líderes são raros. E raridade muda completamente o jogo do executive search. No futuro próximo, empresas não disputarão apenas market share. Disputarão capacidade cognitiva executiva. O conselho mais perigoso do mercado hoje é: “traga alguém parecido com o anterior” Essa frase destruiu mais empresas do que crises econômicas. O Brasil que emerge exige CEOs diferentes: mais adaptáveis; menos hierárquicos; mais humanos; mais orientados a contexto; mais resilientes emocionalmente; e muito mais preparados para liderar ambiguidade. O executive search moderno não pode mais ser conservador. Porque o ambiente de negócios brasileiro já não é. A pergunta que definirá os vencedores As empresas brasileiras ainda fazem perguntas antigas: “Quem já fez isso antes?” “Quem conhece o setor?” “Quem vem de concorrente?” “Quem tem o perfil cultural?” As empresas vencedoras começarão a perguntar algo diferente:
“Quem consegue liderar um futuro que ainda não sabemos descrever?”
Essa será a verdadeira fronteira do executive search no Brasil. E ela já começou. Autor: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brasil Fontes: As principais fontes utilizadas para dados demográficos, mercado de trabalho e projeções foram: IBGE, IPEA, Agência Brasil e Estudos e análises sobre inclusão etária e profissionais 50+.
35 years in Consea – Interview with Barbara Braida
You’ve been at Consea for many years, is there a memory or special moment that has stayed with you? Today, there’s greater focus on personal well-being, flexibility, and quality of life. Twenty-five years ago, these topics were not central to company policies, especially in smaller organizations. When I found myself needing a different balance between my personal life and work, I was given that opportunity, and it allowed me to make important choices with peace of mind. Over the years, how have you seen Consea evolve, and what has that change meant for you? I’ve had the opportunity to witness all of Consea’s major milestones: its expansion first across Italy and then internationally, the diversification of services and target markets, and the arrival of the new generation of the Altomonte family at the Group’s helm. Despite these changes, the company’s founding values have remained unchanged. This journey has also shaped my own professional path, particularly as I’ve focused on the U.S. market for many years. What do you enjoy most about your job? The variety. While the selection process follows a similar structure, every project is unique—industry, company culture, and candidate requirements always vary. What skill or personal quality have you developed the most thanks to your experience at Consea? Working in an ever-changing environment and across diverse markets has helped me build strong adaptability and enhanced my interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. What has been the biggest challenge in your career, and how did you overcome it? Becoming a recruiter for the U.S. market. It was a completely new environment for me, but I had the opportunity to build and refine the necessary skills directly on the field. Every step of the journey has been a chance to grow, and constant exposure to new situations has helped me develop new abilities. How would you describe Consea to someone who doesn’t know the company? Consea is a company that blends professionalism and strategic vision with a strong human approach. Over time, it has grown and adapted to market changes without ever losing sight on its core values. It’s a dynamic, international organization that supports companies in identifying top talent. For me, Consea means growth, stimulating challenges, and ongoing development opportunities. How do you envision Consea’s future? Bright. I believe Consea will continue to monitor market trends and socioeconomic developments closely, respond quickly to new challenges, and explore emerging technologies to stay aligned with client needs. If you had to choose one adjective to describe yourself, what would it be? Determined. What’s your favorite activity outside of work, and how does it help you recharge? I enjoy reading and watching crime or sci-fi series. It allows me to fully disconnect from the everyday routine and engage my mind in a different, stimulating way. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? To embrace change with optimism and to not fear uncertainty, because every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Consea APAC: China Labor market outlook, with an eye on Asia 2024
More than a year after China’s reopening and its return to normal life, the exodus of foreign talent seems to have been partially stopped, even if many expats had already left the country between 2020 and 2022. In 2020, there were approximately 845,000 foreigners in Mainland China[1], including Chinese citizens holding foreign passports, while in 2023 the recorded number was 711,000.[2] At first glance, this number seems very encouraging, however, what might have changed is its composition. Based on reports from the different European chambers of commerce in China, the number of citizens coming from these countries has drastically reduced. As a matter of fact, according to the report issued by the European Union Chamber of Commerce, 25% of German citizens have left the country permanently, and similar numbers have also been recorded for French and Italian citizens (-20% each).[3] This drop appears to be much more drastic than the -15% recorded in 2023. If we take a closer look, this trend had already started prior the pandemic. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of American (-23%), French (-39%) and German (-22%) citizens on Chinese territory declined sharply, and so did the number of citizens from other countries such as Japan (-44%), South Korea (-51%), Singapore (-32%) and Australia (-4%). On the other hand, inflows from countries such as Myanmar (+783%), Vietnam (+119%), Laos (+590%), Cambodia (+1159%) and North Korea (+88 %) have increased exponentially, as well as for other African and South American countries.[4] The risk, therefore, for the country is to have lost a significant number of high-skilled labor from more developed countries, and to have partially compensated for this loss with the entry of low-skilled labors from emerging countries. This theory also seems to be supported by the distribution of foreign citizens on the territory; cities such as Beijing and Shanghai recorded a sharp decline in the number of immigrants in the period between 2010-2020 (-41.5% and -21.4% respectively), while Yunnan province recorded a 700% increase.[5] In conclusion, although precise data regarding the three-year period of 2020-2022 is still lacking, it is easy to assume that the trend that was already in place in the previous decade has been accelerated by the pandemic and the related restrictions put in place. Moreover, the disruption brought by the pandemic also had, among other effects, a strategic change towards the Chinese market; indeed, many foreign players have decided to adopt a “China for China” approach. China, therefore, is no longer a potential hub for managing the Asia/APAC region, but rather a market with highly localized organizational structures and a scope of responsibility limited only to China Mainland or Greater China borders. This has clearly triggered a greater focus on recruiting local talent, minimizing the number of expats in the country. We, as Consea, have seen first-hand a reduction in the number of executive searches (hyperlink https://consea-group.com/head-hunting/ ) of expatriates in the area. This new structure has led many companies to move their regional HQ, or to relocate some of the foreign decision makers to Singapore or other areas in South East Asia or Far East, depending on the industry and the business model implemented. Furthermore, many companies are evaluating other destinations in Asia for their new FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), such as Singapore (hyperlink https://consea-group.com/2023/06/14/nuova-aperto-a-singapore/ ), but also Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and India, particularly for the manufacturing sectors. This consideration is the result of several factors, including: the high labor cost: disposable income per capita in 2023 amounted to 39,218 yuan, up 3% on an annual basis in nominal terms[6];
the aging of the workforce: the age of the Chinese workforce increased from 37.1 in 2017 to 38.3 in 2022[7];
other macro-economic factors such as declining population, risk of deflation or stagnation, domestic consumption and exports still low, downturn of real estate market;
and the willingness to diversify the supply chain. FDI in the ASEAN region grew between 2020 and 2022 up to $227Bn, although 2023 saw a decline of -16%, but despite this, the number of greenfield project announcements in the region still increased by 37%. Also, India had a similar path in terms of incoming FDI and "greenfield projects".[8] For this reason, we are seeing a growing demand for foreign talent coming from these areas. Nevertheless, numbers for China seem to be encouraging and improving for 2024. According to official data, unemployment in urban areas fell by 0.4 percentage points in 2023 to 5.2%[9], so did youth unemployment which fell to 14.9% in December 2023, after the peak of 21.3% reached in July of the same year[10]. GDP ‘s growth has returned to levels around +5%[11], and the government is planning various measures and incentives aimed at helping the economy. Among these, of particular importance for companies and foreign citizens, there are certainly the tax exemption on benefits for foreign staff, promulgated until 31 December 2027, and the "visa-free" entry guaranteed to citizens from the main Europeans countries, as well as from Malaysia and Singapore. Although not sufficient to reverse a trend that has been undergoing for several years now, they are certainly important signs of going in the right direction. Author: Matteo Scipioni Bertoli, Head of Business Development & Delivery APAC [1] China embraces increasing foreign residents, China Daily, 2021 https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202105/12/WS609b14c5a31024ad0babd49f.html [2] Foreigners living in China in 2023 return to 85% of 2019 levels; simplified border measures to facilitate more foreign visitors: NIA, Global Times, 2024 https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202401/1305619.shtml [3] European Chamber of Commerce, European Business in China Shanghai Position Paper 2023/2024. [4] Number of foreigners in China, results of 7th national census, Expat Focus, 2022 https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nfm1Vzfdu0LC8mXgBggxbQ [5] Goodbye China: What Do Fewer Foreigners Mean for Multinationals and the Chinese Economy?, Intereconomics, volume 57, 2022, number 5 https://www.intereconomics.eu/contents/year/2022/number/5/article/goodbye-china-what-do-fewer-foreigners-mean-for-multinationals-and-the-chinese-economy.html#footnote-008 [6] China's per capita disposable income grows 6.3 pct in 2023, Xinhua, The State Council The People’s Republic of China January 17, 2024 https://english.www.gov.cn/archive/statistics/202401/17/content_WS65a73d26c6d0868f4e8e32e0.html [7] China’s Changing Labor Market – Trends and Future Outlook, China Briefing, 2023 https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-labor-force-data-trends-and-future-outlook/ [8] Global FDI in 2023 was weak, with lower flows to developing countries, United Nations UNCTAD, Issue 46, 2024 https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/diaeiainf2024d1_en.pdf [9] China Unemployment Rate, Trading Economics https://tradingeconomics.com/china/unemployment-rate [10]China Youth Unemployment Rate, Trading Economics https://tradingeconomics.com/china/youth-unemployment-rate [11] National Economy Witnessed Momentum of Recovery with Solid Progress in High-quality Development in 2023 https://www.stats.gov.cn/english/PressRelease/202401/t20240117_1946605.html
Nowadays, investing in young people should not just be a slogan, but the best strategy companies should adopt to grow, innovate and gain competitive advantages over their competitors. Regarding Consea Head Hunting's experience in managing recruitment processes with the younger generation, a certain rigidity shown by candidates is emerging, expressed especially in terms of demands related to hybrid working opportunities, career plans and business ethics. As a result, there is often a significant lack of motivation and engagement when faced with an offer that fails to detail or satisfy these aspects. WHAT CAN ORGANIZATIONS DO? To make themselves more attractive to the younger generation, companies should first of all understand what is actually being sought, and in this regard, there is an increasing emergence of the importance for young people being able to identify with company values in terms of sustainability (environmental, valuing diversity, inclusive approach and equity), ethics, training (with an important focus on soft skills, skills that can become an asset to the individual and not just a direct benefit to the company as is the case with technical skills), policies for investing in resources and sharing the expected goals and their consequent development plans envisaged not only in terms of vertical growth, but also about involvement in initiatives, task forces and projects aimed at the well-being of the internal community. Equally important seems to be the attention paid to the work-life balance, flexibility and wellbeing policies within the organization. In terms of attraction and retention, an important role is played by the organization's external communication as the new generations put great importance to the company's website and its presence on social networks as well as, in general, its web reputation. COMPANY AS COMMUNITY This focus is symptomatic of the fact that nowadays the company is no longer considered a mere workplace, on the contrary, it increasingly constitutes a real community for new generations, who can appreciate opportunities of involvement that can allow them to come closer and share experiences with other employees belonging not only to different areas or functions, but also to different generations; of this a significant example could be reverse mentoring. BETRAYAL OR OPENNESS TO CHANGE? In conclusion, we can highlight one more peculiarity: increasingly, new generations are experiencing change as a development opportunity to enrich their skills and, therefore, the decision to leave one company for another should not be experienced as a betrayal; on the contrary, it would be much more functional for the organization to maintain relations with the resource who has changed reality by opting for a new context. This attitude could generate future opportunities for a new encounter and possible opportunities to reintegrate the resource, enriched by the new experiences gained in the meantime. Authors: Sara Ruffinatti – Senior Consultant & Executive Coach Marzia Pio – Junior Consultant at Consea Executive Search
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