The regional office of the Croatian Association of Employers (HUP) in Osijek achieved the highest member satisfaction score among HUP offices in Croatia. This was revealed by research conducted as part of the "HUP Connect" project.
A full 81 per cent of members included in the survey stated they were very or extremely satisfied with the work of the Osijek office. This represents the highest result recorded in the study on member needs.
The Osijek regional office began operations in 1996. At the outset of its activity, key topics included unemployment, manager training, and economic challenges in eastern Croatia. Today, issues such as the application of artificial intelligence, the development of new skills, and the use of European funds are being addressed. The office covers the area of Slavonian counties and is led by director Ivan Sarić.
The study on member needs was prepared within the framework of the "HUP Connect: Social Partnership for the Future of Business" project. HUP began its implementation in early 2025. The project aims to strengthen HUP's capacity for social dialogue. The research sought to identify member needs and challenges, as well as opportunities for improving services.
The satisfaction score is linked to training that addresses new needs, the connecting of students with enterprises, and long-term cooperation with the County. Nearly 7,000 participants have attended the PUMA (Manager Training) programme via the Osijek office. The Osijek-Baranja County has been co-financing the PUMA programme since 2005, and the upcoming October will see the continuation of this cooperation.
Eductions on the practical application of artificial intelligence and more efficient business operations based on the Kaizen approach were held in Osijek this year. A seminar on changes in employment relations was held in Vinkovci, and a seminar on business negotiation in Slavonski Brod. The workshops for accounting services in Slavonia and Baranja focused on the application of artificial intelligence in accounting offices. Training is also being organised in Vinkovci, Vukovar, and Slavonski Brod, in addition to Osijek.
