Okrugli stol BUSINESS FUTURE EMPLOYEES
Episode · #239
QUO VADIS HRVATSKA Okrugli stol BUSINESS FUTURE EMPLOYEES
Guest Okrugli stol BUSINESS FUTURE EMPLOYEESMay 3, 2026
Okrugli stol BUSINESS FUTURE EMPLOYEES
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
The future of work isn't a distant concept; it's already here, shaped by a new generation with distinct expectations. This conversation cuts to the core of what young employees seek and what organizations must offer to attract and retain them. It addresses the central question: Are organizations truly ready for the next wave of talent? Featuring a panel of prominent business leaders and educators, the discussion is anchored by the frank perspective of Kaja Pavlinić, a young entrepreneur and innovator, who lays out the demands and realities faced by future employees. Readers will walk away with a clearer understanding of the evolving employer-employee dynamic and the practical steps needed to bridge the gap.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
For young people today, working fifteen or twenty years in the same job is no longer the norm, as Kaja Pavlinić puts it. If they feel they can't grow, they will look elsewhere — a reality employers must accept and plan for, rather than resist.
02
When employers enable internal career changes, allowing individuals to shift roles within the same company, it builds lasting loyalty, Kaja Pavlinić observes. Instead of losing talent to external opportunities, smart organizations retain it by cultivating new paths inside.
03
Employers who look beyond university grades, valuing volunteering and project involvement, will find the best young talent, says Kaja Pavlinić. These experiences often provide more practical skills than formal education alone, signaling a candidate's real-world readiness.
04
Students who start a company in Croatia lose their student rights, scholarships, and transport benefits, Kaja Pavlinić points out. These regulations discourage the very practical entrepreneurial experience that books cannot teach, making it harder for young talent to gain real-world business skills.
05
Even with the risk that young people may eventually move on, investing in their passion and ambition will pay off many times over, Kaja Pavlinić insists. The quality of the relationship built during their tenure often outweighs the perceived risk of a shorter stay.
06
Young people who are active in their community and initiate projects can contribute significantly to a business, Kaja Pavlinić suggests. In a world where many have degrees, these initiatives often set a candidate apart and demonstrate valuable drive.
07
Many students work not for luxuries but for survival, yet often face inadequate pay and lack basic benefits like meal allowances or weekend premium pay, Kaja Pavlinić's research shows. Employers often fail to recognize the essential role student work plays in young people's lives, treating it as disposable.