Green transition, digitization, but also global challenges such as climate change or the pandemic have fundamentally changed the image of work: the shortage of skilled workers has remained, but the challenges for companies looking for skilled and key figures of the future have increased again. For Styrian SMEs that want to make themselves more attractive to their staff, the Styrian Economic Development Agency and the Styrian Chamber of Labor are now offering new financing options with the “Top!Job” campaign. The focus is on attractive jobs that appeal to valuable employees and bind them in the long term. So that the work of the future becomes reality today!
Rapidly changing trends, volatile times, shortage of skilled workers, less planning certainty: Change is the one constant, we are experiencing it everywhere right now and have to adapt to it in many areas of our lives. However, a constant factor in these turbulent times is the support of the Styrian Agency for Economic Development as a reliable partner. Grab your chance and increase the competency factor in your company. A stable team binds know-how in the company and saves costs. It makes sense not only to look outside, but also to work on internal processes and structures.
Innovation potential in the search for skilled workers
Employer branding and strategic personnel development are high on the agenda. It is important to create attractive jobs (including using modern technologies). Young, tech-savvy specialists – keywords Millennials or Generation Z – no longer feel attracted to traditional vacancies, they navigate virtual worlds and react to playful elements: Gamification offers real innovation potential here, also for smaller companies.
In-company training and further education benefit from digital learning systems and digitally supported talent management. Flexible, distributed work models, new forms of occupational health management, mentoring programs – the wide range of requirements are also opportunities.
Who can do the Top!Job?
With the funding campaign Top!Job, the SFG aims to support the creation of attractive jobs that meet the demands of new working environments and take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitization. In addition, the presentation as an attractive employer is supported in the public. The financing campaign targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, less than 250 employees) in the fields of trade, commerce and trade, as well as services. Non-profit companies with a maximum of 250 employees are also eligible for financing.
How much financing is there?
There are two modules within the Top!Job financing campaign: the XS module with financing up to 70% and the XL module with financing up to 50%. Funding is provided in equal shares by the SFG and the Styrian Chamber of Labour.
Top!Job-Modul XS
Module XS handles projects with the aim of recruiting new employees and optimizing the working environment for existing employees. The focus is on digitization, i.e. digital tools or support in dealing with digital change. SMEs are supported with quick-to-implement measures to recruit and create an attractive working environment for existing employees and apprentices, for example:
- Analysis of the personnel situation
- (digital) personnel management
- Strengthening the corporate culture
- Health promotion in the workplace
- Employer Branding
- Recruitment and onboarding
- internship
Material costs and external consultancy costs can be financed in the XS module. The grant amounts to 70% of the eligible project costs or a maximum of 3000 euros. Minimum project size 1000 euros. Companies can apply for a grant once a year.
Top Job Module XL
Modul XL supports SMEs in the strategic realignment of workforce development and alignment of the organization for the digital future, for example:
- Organizational development for positioning as an attractive employer
- Personnel development to strengthen employee development
- Employer branding including pilot implementation of measures
In the XL module, internal personnel costs are financed in direct connection with the financing project, external consultancy costs and material costs. The grant amounts to 50% of the eligible project costs or a maximum of 25,000 euros per application. Minimum project size 5000 euros. Funding in the Top!Job XL campaign is awarded in cut-off mode by the SFG. This means that you submit your projects no later than certain dates, the so-called cut-off dates. The SFG then times out (cut-off = English cut-off), reviews and evaluates all projects submitted so far – the best are supported.
More information about the financing campaign Top!Job can be found online HERE!
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
