Labor market shifts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

Labor market trends in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia highlight shifting employment patterns and workforce shortages. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, official statistical methodologies now formally recognize workers holding multiple jobs. This includes individuals with a primary role supplemented by seasonal, freelance, or family-based work, as well as those managing three or more simultaneous engagements.

In Croatia, the government has attempted to address labor shortages by opening the market to retirees. While approximately 40,000 retirees work part-time while receiving full pensions, the option for those over 65 to work full-time in exchange for half their pension has seen lower-than-expected uptake. Only 2,885 retirees have chosen full-time employment, roughly one-third of the government's initial estimate of 8,800. The most common sectors for part-time retirees are trade, processing industry, and construction, while full-time retiree employment is most prevalent in state-run sectors such as healthcare and public administration.