On August 1, 2024, at the office of AHK Azerbaijan, at the next meeting of the HR AND VET Working Group, the topics “Challenges of Finding and Keeping Top Talent" and "Employee Termination Policy and Procedures in Azerbaijan" were discussed.

Declaring the meeting open, Acting Executive Director of AHK Azerbaijan, Ms Aytekin Sirajzade, informed the meeting participants about today's topics and gave the floor to the guest speaker, Ms Anne Ramsay, Regional Human Resources Director of SCHNEIDER GROUP.

Ms Ramsay expressed her gratitude for the invitation and provided extensive information about SCHNEIDER GROUP's services. She began by discussing five themes shaping the future of work. These included changes in motivations and beliefs about what constitutes a great job, the role of automation in rehumanizing work, technological changes blurring the boundaries of firms, and the challenges younger generations face as they feel increasingly overwhelmed. Emphasizing the current recruitment challenges, Ms Ramsay noted that 77 percent of companies are struggling to find top talent. She gave information about "quiet hiring" and explained its practical application through need assessment, talent mapping, internal communications, training and development, and feedback and monitoring. Additionally, Ms Ramsay elaborated on the "build-buy-borrow-bridge" concept.

Following Ms Ramsay's presentation, Ms Irada Shamilova, Head of Accounting Group at SCHNEIDER GROUP, discussed the topic "Employer of Record: A Key Component of Talent Strategy". She explained that an EOR approach enables companies to manage their workforce effectively, reduce risks, and focus on strategic business growth. By leveraging EOR services, companies can adapt quickly to market changes, hire talent globally, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Afterwards, Ms Sabina Karimova, Associate Lawyer at SCHNEIDER GROUP, shared her insights on common grounds for dismissal, which include failure to perform job duties, misconduct, long-term illness, and redundancy. She discussed strategies for ending the employment relationship, emphasising the importance of separating after difficult discussions to avoid potential conflicts that could harm both the company's image and the employee's reputation. Alternatively, she suggested negotiating and finding a compromise, such as offering favourable conditions for parting ways, including compensation and assistance in finding new employment. Ms Karimova also provided guidance on terminating employment contracts by mutual agreement, advising on key aspects to consider during this process to ensure a smooth and fair termination for both parties.

Concluding the meeting, Mr Rizvan Karimov, an Independent Consultant on Labour Issues, provided extensive information about the employee termination policy and procedures in Azerbaijan. He explained everything according to the Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and shared his own experiences, offering valuable insights into effective termination practices and compliance with local regulations.

The meeting concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants discussed strategies to address the highlighted challenges and shared best practices for effective employee termination policies and procedures in Azerbaijan.