Spanish companies have returned to hiring in 2026. The problem is that there is no one to hire
European tech firms are experiencing a significant hiring surge in 2026, driven by economic growth and expansion plans. This trend is particularly pronounced in dynamic sectors like technology, professional services, and industry. However, this optimism is tempered by a critical labor shortage, as companies struggle to find adequately skilled professionals to fill these newly created roles. A recent study by Hays reveals that 81% of Spanish companies intend to increase their workforce this year, leading to a notable rise in job openings. Despite this proactive approach to growth, a staggering 93% of businesses report immense difficulty in sourcing qualified candidates. This widespread scarcity of talent is reaching historic levels and is now a significant impediment to companies realizing their full hiring potential and strategic objectives. The implications of this talent gap are far-reaching, potentially slowing innovation and hindering digital transformation efforts across the continent. As European companies strive for greater digital sovereignty and technological advancement, the lack of a sufficiently skilled workforce presents a direct challenge. This situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced training, education initiatives, and strategic talent development programs to bridge the existing skills gap.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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