The importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the business fabric of Spain is undeniable, as they represent more than 90% of the total, with a total of 2,942,716 companies, according to data from the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. These figures reflect the ability of SMEs to adapt and innovate, becoming essential pillars for the country’s economic growth and competitiveness.
In this context, Adecco has presented a report titled “Boosting talent in Spanish SMEs: Challenges and opportunities,” which provides an analysis of how these companies manage talent across generations and what their strategies are to attract and retain employees. Among the most relevant conclusions, it is highlighted that, although most SMEs plan to maintain their hiring stable in the coming months, 36.8% of them plan to incorporate new talent.
The report also points out the challenges that SMEs face in attracting young talent, while recognizing the value that experienced professionals bring. This phenomenon highlights the need to find a balance between different generations in the workplace. Juan Francisco Rodríguez, commercial director of Adecco Staffing, notes that the difficulty in attracting young people is due to their preference for working in larger and more recognized companies. To reverse this trend, SMEs must offer not only good working conditions, but also motivating projects and an environment where employees feel valued.
The arrival of senior talent is presented as a possible solution to this challenge. The experience of workers over 55 years old is valued by 57.1% of the surveyed SMEs, although 20.4% prefer to opt for younger professionals due to their adaptability potential. This discrepancy highlights a possible bias in hiring processes, which could result in the loss of a valuable resource in an increasingly competitive labor market.
The report also examines the evolution of employment in SMEs, indicating that 56.9% of respondents expect to maintain the stability of their workforce in the next six months. SMEs in sectors such as industry and transportation show a more marked optimism than smaller ones, which tend to adopt a more conservative approach.
Regarding talent attraction and retention, most SMEs recognize the difficulties in finding qualified profiles, with this limitation pointed out as the main obstacle by 57.2% of those surveyed. To counteract this problem, the most common strategies include promoting a positive work environment and offering opportunities for professional development. In fact, 38.1% of companies consider creating a pleasant work environment to be key to retaining their staff.
Finally, the report also highlights that a recurring challenge for SMEs is the attraction of young talent, with 73.8% of respondents acknowledging this difficulty. Those who do not face this challenge often have a more positive perception in communities such as La Rioja and Cantabria. To attract young people, SMEs consider a favorable work environment, learning opportunities, and flexibility to be fundamental aspects. Although the experience of senior talent is appreciated, their hiring is often limited to specific positions.
The coexistence of different generations in the workplace not only responds to the search for diversity but is also an essential means to maximize the potential of all employees. Consequently, Spanish SMEs are at a crucial moment to adapt their talent management strategies and ensure sustainable long-term growth.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
