The company, which is also active in Austria, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine, was able to increase its turnover by about half a billion HUF compared to 2019 despite the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
During the first wave of the COVID pandemic, the abrupt and almost complete stoppage of several sectors caused significant reduction in the domestic temporary employment market, generating a major drop in demand for temporary staff. By the end of 2020, however, owing to the steady rise starting in summer, the segment managed to recuperate to almost pre-pandemic levels, resulting in a re-emergence of labor shortage among the partners of WHC. The fully Hungarian-owned company closed last year with a turnover of HUF 19.5 bln and a temporary workforce of 3,500 people.
“By the end of last year, we experienced a rearrangement to pre-pandemic levels in every industry except for tourism and catering. New white-collar positions were opened, and companies started recruiting and hiring for these positions as well. Employees from sectors most severely hit by the pandemic are looking for temporary opportunities in other industries. But as soon as the pandemic and, in parallel, the economic situation improves, we expect a growing demand for workforce in these areas as well, to which temporary employment can provide an excellent solution," Péter Berta, managing director of WHC Group highlighted.
Economic instability increases employee engagement
WHC Group has received Best Employer Award by Kincentric for the third time in a row. Kincentric has conducted global research within the framework of its Best Employers Program involving 130,000 employees which show that employee commitment has risen globally in 2020, while looking at the same category, a four-year declining trend stopped in Hungary. This highlights the finding that as economic situation gets more unstable due to the pandemic, the importance of workplace stability and security increases.
"Rising employee commitment has a very positive effect on business results. For WHC, supportive atmosphere and company culture is essential. We strive to make our employees get the best out of themselves, to be able to fulfill their potential. To this end, we provide every opportunity. We believe in talent management as we can develop and achieve the best results together with joint forces. Winning the Kincentric We are honored to receive Best Employer Award for the third time in a row as it means excellent feedback that we are on the right track," Berta.
In 2021 WHC aims to increase its temporary workforce to 4,000 people and place 400 people permanently, while the company expects a 30% increase in its turnover. WHC also plans to open several domestic and regional offices as well this year, the press release notes.
