Czech social services are grappling with a shortage of more than 3,000 workers, a situation that has worsened slightly in the past two years.
This finding comes from a survey conducted by the Association of Social Service Providers (APSS) in mid-January, which included 625 institutions from regions, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and churches. The shortage is most severe among nurses, caregivers, and junior medical staff, with low salaries and high demands deterring potential workers.
“The staffing situation in social services has worsened slightly. Although more than 3,000 workers are currently lacking, which is about 2.2%, the situation is not as bad as in many Western European countries. The main reasons for the shortage of workers in social care are the low attractiveness of the sector, physically and psychologically demanding work, and low wages,” said APSS President Jiří Horecký.
According to the survey, 60% of respondents from nursing homes, outreach services, and outpatient services report being short of staff. In 2023, regional and church institutions faced the most significant challenges in this regard, and this year, municipal organizations have also joined the ranks of those affected.
In 2023, social services in the Czech Republic were missing over 2,800 workers, and that number has now surpassed 3,000. The largest shortages are found in the caregiving and nursing sectors. Two years ago, the deficit was about 1,300 positions, but this year, it has grown to more than 1,500. With an aging population and rising care needs, this problem is becoming more pressing.
A study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for the Ministry of Labor predicts that by 2035, the number of nursing home beds will need to increase by 28,000 to reach 83,000, and the number of care workers should rise from 98,000 to 143,000 to meet demand. If current trends continue, by 2035, the country could face a shortfall of 15,000 beds and 16,000 care workers in nursing homes.
