The Czech labour market remained numerically stable in 2025, yet behind the façade, noticeable changes were taking place: jobs increasingly shifted to the service sector, and companies placed greater emphasis on flexibility and the availability of skilled workers.
The Czech labour market remained stable in absolute terms in 2025, but behind the façade, significant changes occurred. Unemployment rose only slightly, real wages continued to grow, and more and more jobs moved into the service sector. Companies increasingly relied on flexibility and the availability of skilled workers – a trend expected to strengthen further in 2026.
According to Martin Jánský, Managing Director of Randstad Czech Republic, next year it will no longer be primarily the positions themselves, but specific skills that will be decisive. Moreover, the practical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and preparation for new requirements in remuneration and personnel management are gaining importance.
Structural Change in the Labour Market
In 2025, the labour market appeared stable and relatively resilient, while structural change became more evident. In the long term, workers are shifting from the primary and secondary sectors into the tertiary – that is, into services and care. At the start of 2025, around 62 % of all employees were already working in this sector.
Foto: Freepik
Employment rose only slightly, though its composition changed. Women contributed most to growth, while male employment fell slightly, partly due to declines in certain industrial activities. Another trend was the increase in shorter-term contracts, which occurred more frequently among women. This was reflected in the difference between total employment and the calculation in full-time equivalents (FTEs). Unemployment rose from 4.3 % at the start of the year to 4.6 %.
“At first glance, the Czech labour market appears stable, but internally much is shifting – from production to services, from full-time roles to more flexible forms of work,” Jánský summarises.
Real Wages Continue to Rise
Real wages continued their upward trend in 2025, albeit at a slightly slower pace. In the second quarter, the average wage rose nominally by 7.8 % and in real terms by 5.3 % (median: CZK 41,115); in the third quarter, increases were 7.1 % nominally and 4.5 % in real terms.
Despite low unemployment, companies continued to struggle, particularly with skills shortages and gaps in qualifications, especially in digital, language, or technical competencies. This was most evident in skilled professions such as construction.
“It is not just about the salary, but about talent, specialists and sought-after skills,” emphasises Jánský.
For 2026, companies expect that workforce planning and development will increasingly be based on specific skills. Decisions on whether a role is filled externally or internally through retraining will be more rigorously considered.
“We anticipate stable but selective demand for workers and a continued shift from production to the service sector. A dramatic rise in unemployment is not expected; rather, slight fluctuations at a similar level,” predicts Jánský.
Foto: Freepik
Differences between occupations are likely to become more pronounced: while demand in services, logistics, health and social care, energy and IT rises, routine administrative tasks come under pressure as digital tools and automation take over parts of the work.
Artificial Intelligence is Changing Work
AI will not replace humans as a ‘miracle solution’ but will sustainably change job content. Routine tasks will decrease, while tasks involving data handling, monitoring work results, and roles combining technical understanding with practical experience will increase.
Legal Changes and Transparency
Furthermore, new legal requirements will occupy companies this year: preparation for pay transparency obligations (by 7 June 2026), rules for platform work (by 2 December 2026), and the gradual effects of the AI Act.
“The year will not only be defined by how many people are hired. HR managers will increasingly demonstrate how fairly and transparently employees are paid, how AI is used in processes, and how rules are set to foster trust and loyalty to the company,” summarises Jánský.
Randstad is a global leader in personnel services, specialising in flexible work models and HR consulting. In the Czech Republic, the company offers services in temporary employment, HR process management, and personnel placement.