By: Mikela Gjapi, Lutjona Lula, Helga Mustafaraj

Did you know that Albania’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is growing rapidly, opening the doors to new opportunities for young professionals? Imagine Melisa Maletaj, a bright young talent, who began her career at DigitSapiens and quickly climbed the ladder of success, supported by training programs, mentorship, and a positive workplace environment. This blog dives into the world of ICT in Albania, showcasing its potential, challenges, earnings, equality, employability, the working environment and inspiring stories like Melisa’s journey.

ICT in Albania: Growing Potential

The ICT sector in Albania is on the rise, with businesses embracing digital transformation and technological advancements. For example, the software sector has created a surge of high-paying job opportunities, with roles ranging from software development to cloud computing. On the other hand, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) jobs provide attractive work conditions, including flexible hours and remote work options.

High Earnings and Positive Work Environments

IT software roles in Albania offer high earnings, driven by a competitive market that pushes wages, benefits, and bonuses. However, there is a sentiment among workers that their compensation does not always reflect their skills and qualifications. The BPO sector also provides a positive working environment, with opportunities for remote work and flexible hours.

Equality and Employability

Equality in the ICT sector shows mixed results. While there are no explicit barriers to hiring women, fewer women apply for IT-related jobs. The sector also offers opportunities for disadvantaged groups and there are barriers and prejudices noted by employers in terms of hiring disadvantaged groups or those with disabilities although the number of applicants from these groups is low. However, some companies were not aware of the legislation on people with disabilities.  Workers noted that workplace infrastructure is not adapted for people with disabilities, with no ramps, or lifts.

Employability in the IT software sector is strong, with many entry-level roles available for graduates. BPO jobs offer extensive training but limited upward progression.

Challenges in the ICT Sector: Workplace Health Concerns

Workers in the ICT sector express concerns about workplace safety and health, particularly the risks associated with long hours of sitting. This can lead to health issues such as hernias and eye problems. Flexible hours and remote work options are appreciated, but the sector's hierarchical nature can lead to tight deadlines and close monitoring by management.

High Staff Turnover

High staff turnover is a significant challenge, partly due to migration. This poses difficulties for businesses that need to invest heavily in hiring and training new employees.

A forward looking process

The ICT sector faces hurdles such as unequal opportunities for women and limited career progression in BPO jobs. Additionally, workplace health concerns such as prolonged sitting and high staff turnover due to migration pose challenges to both employees and companies. These issues demand attention to ensure the sector’s continued growth and sustainability.

Case Study: reativity Meets Opportunity at DigitSapiens

DigitSapiens is a shining example of how the ICT sector can create fulfilling career paths. Melisa Maletaj’s story shows how the company fosters creativity through brainstorming sessions and innovation workshops. Her involvement in international projects has broadened her perspective and technical skills, boosted by certifications like Salesforce Administrator and programming courses. The company’s supportive culture builds strong work relationships, enhances motivation, and promotes professional development.

“We’ve created a collective group where mutual respect thrives. I’ve grown both professionally and personally thanks to DigitSapiens’ mentorship and training programs,” says Melisa. These practices have helped DigitSapiens retain talented employees, proving that investing in people is key to long-term success.

DigitSapiens enjoys a strong reputation and is known for its stability, offering long-term security for employees and opportunities to be part of an impactful organization. While the company’s commitment to ‘decent job’ practices positively impacts work relationships and creates a healthy atmosphere, it has not been immune to some of the broader challenges faced by Albania’s ICT sector. For instance, the shortage of skilled workers has occasionally posed recruitment difficulties, especially for specialized roles such as software engineers and project managers.

To address these challenges, DigitSapiens invests heavily in professional development initiatives. Employees like Melisa Maletaj benefit from tailored training programs that not only enhance technical skills but also prepare them for complex project requirements. For example, Melisa’s Salesforce Administrator certification and advanced programming courses have strengthened her capabilities, enabling her to take on international projects with confidence. These efforts ensure a continuous pipeline of skilled talent, reducing reliance on external recruitment.

Additionally, the company actively works to balance competitive pay with employee retention strategies. While some employees express that their compensation does not always align with their expertise, DigitSapiens provides performance-based bonuses and clear career progression paths to address such concerns. A senior developer shared: “Although salary alignment is an ongoing conversation, DigitSapiens is transparent about its pay structure and offers growth opportunities that make up for it.” This transparency helps build trust and retain staff.

DigitSapiens’ emphasis on creating a supportive work environment extends to team-building activities and stress management workshops. Employees describe a collaborative spirit that fosters mutual respect and friendships, both inside and outside of work. Melisa explains: “We’ve created a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. These practices not only help us grow professionally but also strengthen our personal connections.”

By tackling challenges head-on—such as workforce shortages and compensation concerns—DigitSapiens sets an example of how companies in Albania’s ICT sector can adapt and thrive. These strategies not only ensure stability but also pave the way for continued growth and innovation within the organization and the broader ICT landscape.

While Albania’s ICT sector holds immense promise, challenges such as equality and workplace health must be addressed. Success stories like Melisa Maletaj at DigitSapiens highlight the importance of fostering an engaging and supportive work environment. By focusing on decent job practices, the ICT sector can continue to attract, inspire, and retain young professionals who will shape its future.

If you are interested to learn more on decent work aspects in Albania’s tourism, agribusiness and ICT sectors, please check our publication: TOWARDS MORE AND BETTER JOBS IN ALBANIA