European labor markets face recruitment attrition and AI-driven shifts

Labor market trends across Europe indicate significant shifts in recruitment efficiency and the impact of automation. In Poland, data from Grupa Progres reveals a high attrition rate during the hiring process. Out of 100 applicants, only 38% reach the interview stage, 23% receive an offer, 17% accept, and only 12% actually begin work on the first day. Common reasons for dropouts include candidates failing to respond to recruiters, missing scheduled interviews, or declining offers after learning specific terms.

In Lithuania, the employment landscape is being reshaped by artificial intelligence. While shortages persist in engineering, IT, healthcare, and education, there is an oversupply of candidates for administrative and marketing roles. The IT sector has seen a decline in job postings, with Lithuanian information and communication roles dropping from approximately 480 in early 2025 to 270 in the same period in 2026.

In Romania, the IT sector—which accounts for roughly 6% of GDP—is experiencing a reduction in entry-level opportunities. Experienced specialists are increasingly utilizing AI to handle tasks previously assigned to junior developers, making it harder for new entrants to find footing in the market.