DRIVE 2024: The Largest HR Event in Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes over 400 participants

The largest conference on employee management and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the DRIVE Leadership & Talent Conference, was successfully held, gathering over 400 participants. Organized by Kolektiv/MojPosao.ba, this prestigious event attracted leading experts in human resources, management, and leadership, providing a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and insights on the latest trends and challenges in the HR sector.

Under the slogan “Keep the DRIVE” this year's twelfth conference focused on global megatrends, such as digital transformation, employer branding, and creating sustainable, healthy work environments.

The opening address was delivered by Mersiha Mima Mehić, CEO of Kolektiv/MojPosao.ba, who spoke about talent mobility trends and emphasized the importance of companies adapting to the new demands of the labor market. She shared key insights from international research and gave an overview of the workforce in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Throughout the conference, participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring presentations from renowned local and international experts. Among them was Adrian Furnham, a world-renowned psychologist and professor at the University of London, author of over 95 books on psychology and listed among the TOP 20 most influential HR experts. Notably, King Charles III is among his clients. In his talk on "The Psychology of Happiness and Wellbeing at Work," he provided a closer look at the strategic (a)ssessment of people in the labor market.

Other outstanding speakers included Aco Momčilović, who discussed the future of HR and upcoming challenges; Blanka Lasić, who shared strategies for managing change in uncertain times; and Stefan Müller-Nedebock, who covered talent attraction for the coming year, employer branding, and market trends. The closing keynote was delivered by Professor Dr. Almir Maljević on the topic: "Wellbeing as a Priority: A Tactical Guide for HR Leaders and Managers," where he introduced the concept of wellbeing and highlighted its importance for talent retention and productivity enhancement.

In addition to the presentations, three expert workshops were held, filled to capacity and generating significant interest from participants.

One of the key panels was dedicated to the topic “Employer Branding and Employee Satisfaction: Synergy for a Successful Business Model,” where participants learned how strong employer branding can boost employee engagement and productivity. Additionally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), officially launched a partnership with six private companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, presenting their collaboration at the conference. This partnership is part of the “Greater Choice through Family-Friendly Policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina” program, funded by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented by UNFPA. The program strengthens the capacities of governments and the private sector to create and implement gender-sensitive family policies and more family-friendly workplaces, making it easier for both women and men to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.

Best HR Practices 2024

The conference concluded with the recognition and awarding of the best HR practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Best HR Practices competition, powered by MojPosao.ba Recruitment Solutions Agency, celebrates dedicated and strategic work by teams and individuals in companies and organizations excelling in human resource management.

This year, the five finalist HR practices included projects from: Sparkasse Bank - "Talent Identification and Development Program," Coca Cola - "BD Builder," Addiko Bank a.d. Banja Luka - "Talent Management Project – Onboarding Episode," GS TMT - "Digital Info Terminals," and Rolla d.o.o. - "Healthy Lifestyle Rewards," which took first place as the best HR practice.

At DRIVE 2024, participants gained inspiration and tools for improving work environments, with a strong message that employers who continually invest in their employees gain a long-term advantage in the market.