The AmCham Future of Work and Education Committee acts as a professional platform for shaping proposals and positions in the field of labor market development and the educational system in Slovenia. The committee supports efforts for greater labor market flexibility, the creation of new forms of work, and the preservation and development of high-quality jobs. Special emphasis is placed on developing the competencies of the future, promoting intergenerational cooperation, attracting and retaining talent, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to increase productivity and economic competitiveness.
AmCham Future of Work and Education Committee
Key areas of the Committee’s work
Flexible Labor Market and New Forms of Work
The modern labor market requires greater flexibility and openness to diverse forms of work that keep pace with technological development, digital transformation, and the emergence of new professions. Successful business models are increasingly based on collaboration among experts of various profiles and on work environments that allow for greater employee autonomy, flexible work organization, and a focus on results.
Remote work has become a staple of the modern work environment. It enables a better work-life balance while requiring appropriate legislative regulation that reduces administrative barriers and allows for the flexible organization of work.
The committee warns that the current regulations regarding the recording of working hours and the right to disconnect often fail to follow the actual needs of modern work processes, and may reduce company competitiveness without clear benefits for employees. The committee also points to proposals that disregard economic reality, hinder company operations, and are not coordinated with the business community (e.g., the introduction of a winter holiday allowance, uncoordinated minimum wage increases, and the proposed Strategy on Precariousness). Instead of excessive formalization, it is sensible to promote approaches based on trust, responsibility, and a result-oriented work culture, while ensuring that such proposals are aligned with the economy.
Talent and Demographic Challenges
Slovenia faces significant demographic changes, including an aging population, a long-term decline in the working-age population, and the emigration of highly skilled individuals. Between 8,000 and 10,000 people emigrate from the country annually, which has significant long-term consequences for economic growth and the sustainability of social systems.
A comprehensive strategy for retaining and attracting talent is essential for long-term development. This must include a competitive tax and wage policy, the removal of administrative barriers, faster procedures for integrating foreign experts, and the creation of a supportive environment for the return of Slovenian talent from abroad. The committee advocates for an inclusive approach that supports all highly skilled experts, regardless of age or origin, provided their work contributes to creating a high value-added economy in Slovenia.
An important part of the response to demographic challenges also includes promoting longer working lives, flexible transitions into retirement, and the more effective integration of older people, younger people, and other groups into the labor market.
Competencies of the Future and Education
The development of the economy and society is directly linked to investments in knowledge and human development. The competencies of the future, such as digital literacy, knowledge of AI, algorithmic thinking, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to change, are becoming key to the successful integration of individuals into the labor market.
The committee supports the modernization of the educational system and the inclusion of digital content at all levels of education. It specifically emphasizes the necessity of introducing digital language as a mandatory subject throughout the entire educational vertical. In addition to formal education, it is crucial to promote lifelong learning, the development of micro-credentials, and fast, flexible forms of retraining that allow for timely responses to the needs of the labor market.
AI as a Lever for Productivity
AI, and particularly generative AI, represents a significant opportunity to increase productivity, work quality, and economic competitiveness. Its value lies especially in dealing with routine tasks, supporting decision-making, and fostering innovation.
The committee advocates for the responsible and ethical use of AI, alongside the development of appropriate employee competencies and clear frameworks for its use in work processes, including HR practices.
Employee Health, Intergenerational Cooperation, and Key Professions
Employee health is a key factor in productivity and long-term competitiveness. Long-term sick leave presents a serious challenge to the labor market and public finances, and thus systemic measures are needed to shorten absences, improve the return-to-work process, and strengthen preventive workplace health policies.
Intergenerational cooperation contributes to organizational stability, knowledge transfer, and the greater inclusion of all generations. Appropriately adapted work environments and the elimination of stereotypes regarding older employees are key to the effective use of their potential. The same applies to eliminating stereotypes about youth and integrating young people into work processes, including through mentorship. The committee supports the Champions 50+ project.
Special attention must also be paid to raising the reputation of key professions in healthcare, education, and social care, which are the foundation of society. The long-term stability of these systems requires appropriate working conditions, clear career paths, and competitive terms of employment.
AmCham Working Group Document – Champions 50+
Committee members
Who are the members of the Committee?
See the full list of Committee members.
Join the AmCham Future of Work and Education Committee
For all questions related to the Committee’s work, you can turn to our Committee coordinator Mojka Mišič, MSc, our Communications and Advocacy Director.
Mojka Mišič, MSc
Communications and Advocacy Director