For the IT industry, 2024 was marked by continuous technological progress and increasingly complex labor market challenges. The rapid advancement of digitalization and artificial intelligence, the rise of remote and hybrid work, and the evolving demand for tech professionals all shaped the year’s trends. As per tradition, we once again sat down with Anett Vidus, Director of IT Recruitment at HumanField, to evaluate the year.
In the first half of 2024, the economic slowdown continued to have a noticeable impact on the global IT labor market. Concerns over a recession and sluggish growth led many large enterprises—particularly in the United States and Western Europe—to implement cost-cutting measures, often in the form of workforce reductions. The tech sector, which had already been affected by inflation and rising energy costs, remained focused on streamlining operations and reducing expenses. Companies that had previously expanded rapidly shifted their priorities toward maintaining stability, influencing labor market trends accordingly.
According to Anett Vidus, Director of IT Recruitment at HumanField, the Hungarian IT market remained relatively stable in this regard. “While global trends were certainly felt domestically as well, the stability of the Hungarian IT sector was partly due to the presence of numerous regional development centers. As a result, the industry did not experience the same scale of layoffs as Western European or American markets, and demand for IT professionals did not decline as dramatically. However, the economic situation significantly altered companies’ recruitment strategies in Hungary, too. Many businesses focused on retaining their experienced employees, while opportunities for fresh graduates and junior professionals were more limited,” she summarized.
By 2024, IT employers were no longer solely focused on years of experience; companies increasingly sought professionals with new skill sets. Large corporations, particularly multinational firms, actively sought experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud services, and cybersecurity. This intensified competition in these specialized fields.
Generational Differences and Evolving Workplace Expectations
Generational differences in the workforce became more pronounced in 2024. The entry of Generation Z into the job market brought a new mindset prioritizing flexibility, personal development, and the continuous integration of digital technologies. Traditional workplace expectations, such as stability and long-term commitment, were less appealing to younger employees, who sought workplaces that fostered growth and entrepreneurial skills. Work-life balance and workplace flexibility also became key considerations.
According to Anett Vidus, Generation Z’s expectations go beyond competitive salaries. “For Gen Z employees, it’s not just about the paycheck. They also consider how they can develop their skills and whether they align with the company’s values. The most attractive workplaces offer flexibility in both location and work hours while providing opportunities to engage with the latest technological trends,” she explained.
For younger generations, factors such as the tools they work with and the extent to which they can shape their own roles are crucial. As a result, companies must increasingly adapt to this new mindset by offering environments that foster personal development while providing the necessary support and continuous challenges.
Challenges in Training and Experience
Due to the economic slowdown, demand for junior positions decreased in 2024, with companies prioritizing experienced professionals. As a result, fresh graduates and early-career professionals faced greater difficulties in securing jobs, as businesses were less willing to take risks on newcomers in times of economic uncertainty.
“For entry-level professionals, the biggest challenge remains gaining practical experience. In the IT sector, employers often look for candidates with real-world project experience who can quickly adapt to company needs,” noted Anett Vidus. “Therefore, it is crucial for young professionals to gain hands-on experience through internships, part-time work, or university projects rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge. As technological trends continue to evolve rapidly, staying up to date with the latest developments is essential for new generations.”
The Rise of AI in the Workforce
The continued expansion of artificial intelligence in 2024 fundamentally reshaped the IT labor market, as an increasing number of tasks became automatable. Software testing, data processing, and routine IT operations were increasingly handled by AI-driven systems. However, this shift also created new demand for specialists in AI, machine learning, and AI-based application development.
“For companies, integrating AI is not just about improving efficiency—it also opens the door to developing new types of applications and systems that enhance business operations. Demand for professionals working with AI continues to grow, and this trend is expected to accelerate further by 2025,” said Anett Vidus.
For junior professionals, gaining experience remains a critical factor in career development. Having real-world work experience—whether through internships, part-time roles, or freelance projects—significantly increases employability in a competitive job market.
Cybersecurity: Ensuring a Secure Digital Environment
Cybersecurity remained one of the most critical and in-demand areas in the IT labor market in 2024. Companies prioritized safeguarding their data against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Anett Vidus believes that the role of cybersecurity will only continue to grow, and demand for specialists in this field will increase accordingly.
“Cybersecurity experts play a crucial role in protecting companies from cyberattacks. Ensuring digital infrastructure security, complying with data protection regulations, and managing cyber threats require skills that will remain indispensable in the future,” she explained.
What Lies Ahead?
For companies seeking to attract and retain IT professionals, adaptability, continuous learning, and responsiveness to workforce expectations will remain key factors in the coming years.
By 2025, IT and AI are expected to play an even greater role not only in economic growth but also in advancing sustainability. Intelligent systems can facilitate the efficient integration of renewable energy sources and promote environmentally conscious industrial processes—an essential aspect of combating climate change. Additionally, AI can support the development of sustainable cities, optimize transportation networks, and encourage more efficient resource utilization.
The IT labor market will continue to evolve in response to these changes. Demand for skilled professionals proficient in emerging technologies will remain high, while environmental awareness will become an increasingly important consideration for tech specialists.
