In Serbia, salary is the decisive factor for 66% of job candidates, according to research conducted by Infostud, with 64% of respondents expecting a salary between €730 and €1,330.
Beyond pay, interpersonal relationships at work are the second most important consideration for over 60% of candidates. Other factors include working hours, flexibility, and work-life balance, highlighted by about a third of Serbian workers. The survey was conducted during a regional job fair from October 14 to 21.
Comparatively, in Croatia, 74% of respondents consider salary the key factor, with interpersonal relationships important to 67%. In North Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, relationships at work are decisive for slightly over 60% of respondents.
Opportunities for learning and career advancement are also significant, especially in Serbia, where this factor is more emphasized than in Croatia but less than in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Job security is considered important but not decisive by less than 20% of workers, placing Serbia between Croatia (higher sense of stability) and Bosnia & Herzegovina (where insecurity is more prevalent).
The data reveals a high level of workforce mobility in Serbia. Over the past year, 37% of employees changed jobs, roughly one in three workers, a level comparable to North Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Croatia records slightly lower mobility.
Looking ahead, 59% of Serbian workers plan to change jobs within the next year, indicating that more than half actively monitor the labor market, even if currently employed. This underscores that employers can no longer rely on automatic loyalty; they must provide clear and attractive offers to retain talent.
Job insecurity is present but moderate. When asked if they fear losing their job, 30% of Serbian workers answered yes, meaning one in three feels occasional insecurity. Meanwhile, 42% say they are not afraid, and 28% do not think about it at all. Regionally, Serbia sits in the middle: workers in Croatia feel the least insecure, while insecurity is highest in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Regarding salaries, the study highlights clear expectations for a living wage. Estimated average net salaries by country are:
- Croatia: €1,650
- Serbia: €1,165
- North Macedonia: €1,075
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: €1,050
In Serbia, 64% of respondents expect salaries between €730 and €1,330, a range that supports a decent standard of living. While not luxurious, it provides stability and the ability to plan long-term. This expectation places Serbia in the middle of the regional spectrum, above Bosnia & Herzegovina and North Macedonia, but below Croatia, aligning with differences in cost of living and overall standards across these countries.
