Business Services Industry
Old Soviet Bloc rich in talent
Workforce, June, 2002 by Todd Raphael
U.S. employers have for years been hiring people to work for them out of countries like India, where the workforce is smart and the going rate for talent is cheap.
It was cheap, at least. As the secret gets out about good hiring markets like India, salaries soar. Now, some employers are mining old Soviet Bloc countries such as Bulgaria and Hungary.
For HR, recruiting Eastern European locals can mean big cost reductions compared to using expatriates, which can involve paying for housing, schooling for their kids, and trips home. Vince Coil, president of the Philadelphia IT-outsourcing firm iConcepts, has been recruiting in Bulgaria, which offers a jackpot of highly educated, English-speaking science and math Ph.D.s who can be hired for far less than their American counterparts.
He says his biggest challenge is that Bulgarian employees tend to "overproduce." They commonly spend a great amount of time working out the best solution for a client, for example, when a "very good" solution would suffice. 'That's a good problem to have," Coll says.
Poul Pedersen, founder and managing partner of Pedersen & Partners, an executive search company, says Eastern Europe is a great place for talent, but the area does have challenges. Employees' education tends to be very theoretical, without a lot of practical experience. And, of course, employers must take into account local norms. Ten days of vacation isn't acceptable to most Europeans.
Most Recent Business Articles
- How do I determine my retainer fee?
- Why fly solo when an executive assistant can accelerate your CLNC® business?
- The CLNC® mentors held the key to my first case and to my CLNC® success
- Atlanta CLNC® 6-day certification seminar photo galleryplus sign up today for spring 2009 to save $100.00
- Speak to a full-time practicing CLNC® consultant
Most Recent Business Publications
Most Popular Business Articles
- Using object-oriented analysis and design over traditional structured analysis and design
- Big Fish Games Migrates Upstream to Fisher Plaza; High Growth Online Gaming Firm Vaults Fisher Plaza Occupancy Rate Above 90%
- Top of the line: some of the world's most well-respected doctors practice in South Florida. A guide to choosing the best physician specialists - Top Doctors in South Florida
- Sand filter basics: high-rate sand filters can be confusing for those new to the business. Understanding valve modes is the key
- BEHR Paints Introduces a Colorful New Way to Paint and Prime All in One with BEHR Premium Plus Ultra™ Interior
Most Popular Business Publications
Content provided in partnership with http://findarticles.com/source//

