EQUILIBRIUM IN SLOVAKIA: PANEL DISCUSSION

We invite you to join this panel discussion bringing together leaders from business, public institutions, and the talent ecosystem to address brain drain from the perspective of female talent. Together, we will explore how Slovakia can create environments that attract, retain and empower women at different stages of their careers.

Tackling Brain Drain: How Do We Keep Female Talent in Slovakia?

Slovakia is facing a critical brain drain. Of young talents who leave the country to study or gain professional experience abroad, only 40% return home. At the same time, the inflow of international talent is insufficient to offset this loss. This trend is already undermining the innovation potential and competitiveness of Slovak companies.

Global OECD data show a growing willingness among highly educated women to relocate in search of better professional and life conditions. At the same time, a Deloitte report highlights their low long-term loyalty to current employers, with only 5% planning to stay with their employer in the long run.

The key to retaining talent therefore lies not only in attractive job positions, but in the balance between professional fulfillment and quality of life. Women are increasingly seeking environments where career growth is naturally aligned with a supportive workplace culture and a high-quality living environment beyond work.

In a discussion organized by the British Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic and the British Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic, held within the framework of the EQUILIBRIUM Mentoring Programme, we will explore brain drain as a strategic challenge through the lens of female talent.

Together with experts, we will seek answers to key questions such as:

• Glass ceiling or cultural barriers? What is truly pushing educated women out of the Slovak labour market?
• Place to live vs. place for a career: How can companies and cities become “social anchors” that attract and retain talent rather than repel it?
• The talent life cycle: How can employers respond flexibly to the needs of women in different life stages, from returning after parental leave to supporting experienced female leaders?

Programme of the Event:

17:45 – Gate Opens

18:00 – Start of the Event, Opening Remarks by UK Ambassador and Managing Directors of the Chambers

18:10 – Start of the Panel Discussion

19:00 – Start of the Networking Session

20:00 – End of the Event

Speakers

• Viktória Škrivánková
  Moderator
  Senior Project Associate, IOM – UN Migration
• Miroslava Remenarová
  President, British Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic
• Iva Kleinová
  Senior Advisor on Start-up Ecosystem & Talent, Bratislava – the Capital City of Slovakia
• Igor Šulík
  Executive Search Professional & Managing Partner, Amrop Slovakia
• Miroslava Rychtárechová
  Head of Country People Operation Manager, Tesco Stores SR

*The event will be held in Slovak language.

*Refreshments will be provided on the spot.