Out of the European Union’s 104 NUTS 1 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics – Level 1) regions, those belonging to the Visegrád Group (also known as Visegrád Four or V4), have been selected for this study due to their comparable socioeconomic characteristics and regional relevance. This study aims to determine whether the obstacles to finding the right employer and job role differ between genders in the V4. These regions, through their historical background and intensive economic relations, influence not only their own territories but also the economy and value system of the entire continent. The results show significant differences between the countries in terms of the types and intensity of barriers. In Hungary, language barriers play a crucial role in restricting participation in the international labour market. In Poland, unequal access to educational opportunities is predominant. In Slovakia, the lack of flexible work arrangements tailored to family responsibilities emerged as the most significant obstacle. In certain areas of the Czech Republic, the influence of traditional gender roles was decisive. By identifying these barriers, this study contributes to understanding how gender disparities shape job-seeking experiences across the V4 countries. The research highlights that understanding the differences between countries is essential for a deeper comprehension of labour market barriers. Based on these findings, targeted measures are required, such as expanding language training in Hungary, making educational opportunities more accessible in Poland, and promoting flexible employment forms in Slovakia and less-developed areas of the Czech Republic. The results provide valuable guidance for developing policies aimed at improving gender equality and labour market participation, particularly through region-specific approaches.

The employment and labor market landscape has undergone significant transformations globally, including the three Central European countries examined in this study. Over the past decades, organizations in this region have transitioned from a state of full employment to labor shortages, raising the question: What factors have driven these changes? Our study aims to present a theoretical framework highlighting key macro-level factors, such as demographic trends, economic development, labor market dynamics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of robotization and artificial intelligence. Based on two empirical studies conducted in 2019 and 2022 among Czech, Hungarian, and Slovak organizations, we analyzed the extent and causes of labor shortages, as well as the labor market effects of robotization. Using descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods, including frequency analysis and Mann–Whitney U tests, the study examined key trends and compared the two periods to identify significant shifts. The analytical approach of this study primarily aims to compare perceptions across occupational groups and between the two survey waves (2019 and 2022). Because most variables were measured on ordinal Likert-type scales and the datasets represent independent cross-sectional samples rather than a panel dataset, non-parametric methods were considered the most appropriate. More advanced causal modeling techniques, such as regression or factor analysis, were not applied because the objective of the research was exploratory and comparative rather than to establish causal relationships between variables. The findings reveal significant shifts in the perceived causes of labor shortages across occupational groups in the surveyed Central European organizations. In particular, increasing labor shortages were observed in specific job categories, alongside changes in the relative importance of the underlying drivers of labor shortages. While adopting robotization and artificial intelligence has been positively received, demographic decline and emigration remain critical challenges. The study provides practical insights for policymakers and corporate leaders regarding labor market challenges, workforce planning, and the potential role of robotization and artificial intelligence in addressing labor shortages. Although the research is based on a non-representative sample, it offers valuable insights into the Central European region’s employment and labor market trends. Future research could examine whether, in hard-to-fill positions, robotization and AI primarily provide indirect support by augmenting and reallocating human work, or whether they may serve as direct substitutes.