Human Resource Development at the University of Maribor – An Encouraging Working Environment

Authors

Jasmina Žnidaršič
University of Maribor
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1952-159X
Mojca Tancer Verboten
University of Maribor
Mojca Bernik
University of Maribor
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7201-2241

Synopsis

The chapter focuses on staff development at the University of Maribor (UM), which is crucial for achieving academic, research, and organizational excellence. Since its establishment in 1975, the University of Maribor has systematically professionalized its employees, including academic, research, and non-pedagogical professional staff. Staff development has been adapted to societal needs, reflected in the introduction of new pedagogical approaches, digital technologies, and the Bologna study system. The analysis of the 2004–2023 period shows fluctuations in the number of employees, peaking in 2023 with 2,093 staff members. There is a noticeable trend of growth in research and teaching staff with higher academic titles and the professionalization of the workforce, especially in higher pay grades within groups H and J. The UM Strategy 2021–2030 (Univerza v Mariboru, 2021b) emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relations, work-life balance, and continuous skills development through programmes such as “Enhance UM.” The paper concludes that UM follows modern trends in digitalization, innovation, and lifelong learning, contributing to the development of its staff and society as a whole.

Author Biographies

Jasmina Žnidaršič, University of Maribor

Jasmina Žnidaršič is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor. She has been employed at the faculty for sixteen years and works within the Chair of Human Resources Systems. She earned her PhD in the field of work-life balance and employee commitment to work at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, UM. Her research interests include human resource management, organizational behavior, and the organization of professional and private life. She is the author of several original scientific and professional articles and conference papers. She has participated in numerous research projects in both the economic and non-economic sectors.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: jasmina.znidarsic@um.si

Mojca Tancer Verboten, University of Maribor

Assist. Prof. dr. Mojca Tancer Verboten (PhD), is an expert and researcher in the fields of labor and social law as well as higher education. She is a member of the Expert Council for addressing professional issues related to the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act and a member of the Council of the Center of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Materials Technology. As a member of the working group of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, she contributed to drafting the proposal for the Higher Education Act. At the Faculty of Law, University of Maribor, she teaches courses in Social Security, Labor and Social Law, and at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, she teaches Ethics and Legal Aspects. She is one of the co-authors of the commentary on the Employment Relationships Act (3rd, updated and amended edition) and the Civil Servants Act. She is currently serving her third term as Secretary General of the University of Maribor.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: mojca.tancer@um.si

Mojca Bernik, University of Maribor

Mojca Bernik is the acting Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor. She is the Head of the Chair of Human Resources Systems and a member of the Strategic Council of the program Organization and Management of Human Resources and Educational Systems, where her research achievements contribute to the program’s relevance. Her research interests focus on two main areas: the development of human resources management in organizations and the challenges of personnel planning. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous projects pertaining to Slovenian economy as well as in international projects. The results of her research work are evident in numerous publications both domestically and abroad.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: mojca.bernik@um.si

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Published

September 9, 2025

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How to Cite

Žnidaršič, J., Tancer Verboten, M., & Bernik, M. (2025). Human Resource Development at the University of Maribor – An Encouraging Working Environment. In G. Meško & N. Ulčnik (Eds.), 50 let Univerze v Mariboru: Pol stoletja znanja in raziskovanja (pp. 119-146). University of Maribor Press. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.1.2025.5