By Besse Vergados and Jim Stathakos
Having recently attended the July 2026 The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Careers and Employability Fair, at the American College of Greece, some thoughts and ideas about where Greece is regarding its economy, its talent and its future became obvious.
The future is hopeful but there is still much to do. As Greece continues its recovery from one of the most challenging economic periods in its modern history, a new conversation is emerging—one that is focused not simply on creating jobs, but on creating the workforce, and career paths for everyone and especially those that are young or returning to Greece after having left as a result of the brain drain that occurred in 2008 and beyond. In addition, there is a new and emerging brand of leadership needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
This was the clear message at the event. Government leaders, business executives, educators, investors, human resource professionals, and young professionals shared a common vision: Greece’s future will depend on its ability to develop talent, embrace innovation, and create workplaces where people want to build long-term careers. The country is teeming with opportunity and excitement for the present and the future.
A Labour Market in Transition
The numbers tell an encouraging story. The current government is happy to report that over the past seven years Greece has reduced unemployment from 18 percent to 8 percent while increasing full-time employment from 69 percent to 79 percent. Wages have also risen significantly, reflecting steady economic improvement. Of course, everyone agrees that there is still work to be done here.
Beneath these positive statistics lies a more complicated reality. Youth unemployment remains high, women continue to face barriers to employment, and employers across numerous industries are struggling to find workers. Having interviewed many citizens, especially those in Athens, they will tell you they have a hard time making ends meet. Athens is experiencing and exponential increase in the cost of living and exorbitant rental costs in comparison to the rest of Greece.
Construction, agriculture, hospitality, logistics, retail, and the skilled trades all face severe labour shortages. In agriculture alone, billions of euros have been lost because there were simply not enough workers available to harvest crops. Overall the result may mean a fragmentation and a slowdown in economic growth.
Of course, every difficulty gives rise to opportunity. Rather than viewing these shortages as isolated problems, the Greek government is responding with a coordinated workforce strategy built on data, education and partnerships with industry. A great start!
Investing in Skills Instead of Waiting for Them
One of the strongest themes throughout the conference was that the skills required for tomorrow’s jobs cannot simply be expected to appear—they must be intentionally developed.
Government-supported programs now focus on reskilling and upskilling workers in digital technologies, green skills and vocational occupations. Apprenticeship and cooperative education programs allow participants to gain practical work experience while employers receive wage subsidies to support new hires during their first year of employment. However, these programs are only putting a dent in the problem. A more co-ordinated and collaborative effort between business, education and government would greatly enhance the country’s ability to meet its current workforce needs.
The government’s “ReBrain Greece” initiative is an important example. By actively recruiting highly educated Greeks working abroad, the program seeks to reverse the country’s long-standing brain drain and encourage experienced professionals to return home.
Although salary differences with other countries remain a challenge, Greece is increasingly positioning itself as a place where talented professionals can build meaningful careers while contributing to the country’s future. Greek employment recruiters are focusing on the middle managers, younger executives and specialized skilled workers, as their wages are less that those with higher positions and more experience. Add the beautiful weather, food, lifestyle and a return to ones roots and you have a strong motivation to return to Greece.
Artificial Intelligence Changes the Conversation
Greece is making headway in the area of Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence was no longer discussed as a future possibility—it was presented as a present-day business reality. Business leaders from technology, finance and multinational corporations described how AI is already improving productivity, accelerating decision-making, and reducing the time required to complete complex tasks. Marketing presentations that once required weeks can now be developed in hours. AI is improving logistics, shipping, scientific research and even agricultural productivity.
Perhaps the most important insight shared during the conference was that AI should not be viewed as replacing jobs but rather transforming the tasks people perform. Routine and repetitive work will increasingly be automated, while new responsibilities and entirely new occupations will emerge.
Because the conference was intended to support those new to the workforce, advice that would support them in having a competitive advantage was plentiful. For example, the competitive advantage will belong to those who learn how to work effectively with AI rather than compete against it. This is good advice for anyone of any age and at any stage of their workforce career. This advice is key for many workers who find themselves contemplating a change in career. And in a world where AI is essential, we cannot forget that like any tool, how it is used and how well it is used, sets one potential candidate apart from another.
Ironically, as technology becomes more powerful, the conference repeatedly emphasized that uniquely human skills are becoming even more valuable. Employers consistently identified critical thinking, communication, adaptability, curiosity, integrity and emotional intelligence as qualities they now prioritize when hiring. These skills will always be necessary because as one speaker summarized the shift simply: companies increasingly hire for character and train for technical skills.
Every era is unique. And currently, no matter where you are and what you are doing, you are dealing with change and uncertainty. As a result, anyone in the workforce today must become comfortable with ambiguity and unexpected changes. Careers will no longer follow predictable paths, and individuals must be prepared to learn continuously, accept honest feedback and embrace opportunities that extend beyond their original job descriptions. Truly, it does not matter what country you are in, you are seeing this.
Perhaps the most important AI skill of all is not technical expertise but the ability to ask better questions, a sort of modern-day Socratic questioning. Effective prompting requires critical thinking, sound judgment and the ability to evaluate information—skills that remain fundamentally human. These skills transcend the workplace and are life skills needed for everyone at every stage of life.
Leadership Matters More Than Ever
One of the most interesting discussions was around leadership and its role today in Greece. The conference challenged organizations to rethink leadership. Executives, managers, and supervisors cannot assume that learning ends once they reach senior positions. Continuous development is now expected at every level of leadership. This is a concept that most leaders in the west have embraced and continue to embrace.
Ethics, social responsibility, inclusion and talent development are increasingly viewed as essential leadership competencies rather than optional initiatives. Experienced Manager and Executive understand the importance of utilizing the full skillsets of an engaged workforce.
One statistic generated significant discussion: approximately 83 percent of employees leave managers—not organizations. If you want to keep your talent you need to create an environment where they can contribute their skills. They also need clear opportunities to develop skills further and add new ones to their repertoire. The findings reinforce what many organizations already know: Workplace culture, opportunities for growth and the quality of leadership often determine whether talented employees stay or leave.
The Expectations of a New Generation
Young professionals also offered valuable insights into what they seek from employers. The storytelling segment of the session was the most valuable in that it allowed all those in attendance to understand the experience of young people looking to make a life for themselves in Greece.
Competitive salaries remain important concern for everyone who shared their story, particularly as housing affordability becomes a growing concern in all of Greece and especially Athens and other large cities.
However, compensation alone is no longer enough. Young employees want meaningful work, opportunities for advancement, mentorship, flexibility and a clear sense of purpose. They are looking for careers rather than jobs. When organizations fail to provide visible pathways for growth, many talented individuals will simply move elsewhere—or leave the country entirely. For Greece, retaining its next generation of professionals may be just as important as attracting investment. A positive and engaged corporate culture becomes even more important to those contemplating returning to Greece after having experienced it in other EU countries or in Canada or the United States.
Education Must Evolve
Speakers also highlighted the need for stronger connections between education and employment. Universities are increasingly encouraged to incorporate practical problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, internships and group projects that prepare graduates for real workplace challenges.
Employers are looking for graduates who can think critically, solve unfamiliar problems, collaborate effectively and continue learning throughout their careers. Technical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Critical thinking and decision making are essential life skills. This cannot be emphasized enough.
Opportunities Beyond the Challenges
While much of the discussion focused on labour shortages and workforce transformation, the overall tone of the conference was optimistic. In order to find positive solutions to a problem, you must first accept that one exists and open the discussion on how to best solve it. Although investment helps, more is needed.
Greece possesses a highly educated population, growing technology sectors, increasing international investment and government programs designed to strengthen workforce participation. The country is also becoming increasingly attractive for research and development. Lower operating costs, government support and a talented workforce present opportunities for international companies to expand innovation activities within Greece.
These developments suggest that Greece is entering a new phase—one where long-term competitiveness will depend less on low costs and more on knowledge, innovation and collaboration. The key is to keep going and continue to support the workforce and the country’s essential fledgling industries while supporting those that have been essential to Greece’s economic success, like gastronomy, tourism, agriculture and construction.
Looking Ahead
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Careers and Employability Fair demonstrated that the future of Greece will not be determined solely by economic policy or technological advancement, it will be shaped by the people who lead organizations, develop talent and create workplaces where individuals can contribute, grow and thrive. Success will require governments, educational institutions, businesses and employees to work together in ways that have not always occurred in the past. Artificial intelligence will continue to transform work and labour markets will continue to evolve. New industries will emerge while others are reshaped as they are everywhere.
In the end, Greece’s greatest competitive advantage may not be Artificial Intelligence at all. It may be its ability to cultivate human intelligence, character and leadership. These are the qualities that technology cannot replace. The organizations that succeed will be those that invest not only in technology but also in people.
