A survey by human resource consulting firm Randstad CR found that 54.4% of those asked expressed concerns about job security in the following year due to economic instability and the onset of AI.

Martin Jánský, Director of Randstad CR said: “The fear of job loss is mainly a result of the economic uncertainties of the past few years, including the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and soaring energy prices.

“Other employees feel threatened by the rapid development of technology and the onset of artificial intelligence. In some sectors, most notably in the automotive sector, concerns are related to possible negative developments abroad, especially in Germany.”

The survey also found that most Czech employees are considering changing jobs next year, with 43.5% saying they definitely want to, while 12.6% are considering such a step.

The main reason respondents gave for changing jobs is low salary (39.9%), while 28.7% said they are seeking a greater balance between personal and work life. The third most common reason is a lack of opportunity for career growth (11.2%).

“If companies want to keep quality employees, they should focus on adequate financial remuneration, balance between work and personal life, and on creating space for career growth of employees with an appropriate personnel policy and program for improving qualifications,” said Jánský.

Police officers, firefighters and members of other security forces protested in front of the Ministry of the Interior building on Letná last Thursday for higher salaries and an improvement in the personnel situation, Czech news outlet Echo24 reported.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala addressed the protesters' concerns on Friday, telling lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies about his plan to raise Czech salaries to align with their German neighbors within the next four years.