plusDEVELOPMENT

March 2010

The need for development is more urgent than ever in view of the financial crisis that we are currently going through. Utilization of human resources as well as the formation of an effective mechanism connecting labor supply and demand constitute key issues for development.

A substantial part of the workforce usually occupying low-skilled positions is marginally mobilized thus hindering growth. On the other hand economic growth and development depend largely upon efficient utilization of human resources, investment in knowledge and mobilization of the workforce. In this regard, labor integration of immigrants would constitute an asset for better economic perspectives in the future.

The mechanism of labor support services includes recording and assessing both the qualifications/skills of the job-seeker and the job descriptions of the posts advertised by the employers. Subsequently, the final step is to best match supply and demand. This process entails difficulties during the assessment stage both on the part of the candidates and the companies mainly because both of them are not very familiar with formal employment patterns (different work cultures, the majority of greek companies are of small or medium size and usually follow informal employment practices).

Nevertheless, the mechanism should activate, involve and inform both sides, motivate employers to implement development plans based on human resources facilitating at the same time labor integration of disadvantaged groups.