Alternative Ways to Bridge the Skills Gap

Productivity and competitiveness are critical business factors in today's global markets. Organizations are finding that they can improve both by making sure there is a solid match between workforce demographics and the skills needed on the shop floor.

 

According to McKinsey, almost 9 out of 10 companies are experiencing a talent shortage, and three-quarters say that the inability to hire skilled workers is having a negative impact on their business.

 

With unemployment figures at record high levels, especially in Europe, and many employees feeling under-employed, at first glance it would seem that employment opportunities are limited. But critical skills for many industries are in short supply and keeping talent in your organization can make the difference between success and failure.

 

The key challenges for employers are to:

• Fill critical skill gaps in a timely and efficient way
• Manage flexible, contingent workers without raising the organization’s risk profile
• Move work to the worker rather than the other way around
• Keep talent engaged and retained wherever possible, even across borders

 

More companies are looking to alternative ways to meet the talent gap.

 

1. Provide flexible work options

Giving employees flexible work options with opportunities to up-grade skills can be offered instead of higher salaries and promises of advancement.

 

2. Respect the need for improved balance between work and life

Work-life balance can be a key issue in retaining talented staff, especially with workforce demographics changing with an aging population. One German manufacturer has implemented a policy to reduce the number of cell phone calls and employee could receive outside of normal working hours.

 

3. Talent Supply Chain Approach

By taking the approach of supply chain management, HR can better integrate supply and demand of skilled employees to fit business cycles. This helps to identify pivotal skills for their organization and factor in how long it would take to find the right employee with those skills.

 

source: SAP Business Innovation

 

HireQuality provides Recruitment, Talent Management, and Management Coaching services to meet your organizations needs. Call us at 416.413.1177 or visit our website for more information.

Prepare to Make Tough Decisions

Decision making skills are one of the key success factors for senior executives. You  may assume that as managers progress through organizations these skills are honed for the day when they are in a senior decision making position.  Often, a new leader finds that in taking over the helm, they feel least prepared to make the tough decisions necessary to guide their business through a difficult situation.

Tim Bowler, BBC News Reporter, writing in CEO Guru about taking decisions, answers the question, "What makes a good leader?".

"In essence, a chief executive will need to know what their mission is and why their company exists, they will need to have a vision for where their firm should go, and know how progress towards that goal will be measured. Many bosses say that most important part of their job is in dealing with a handful of really important issues, and taking tough decisions which may upset others."

 The process that an executive uses to make decisions can be greatly influenced by their leadership style. Most top CEO's will use a consultative approach, but who they choose to consult with, whether they use a small circle of inner managers, external organizations, or approach the grassroots of their employee base, will depend upon the type of issue, the time involved, and their leadership style.

The more experience one has, the more likely the executive is to easily recognize the best consultative process for the situation. The intent is to balance factors with others, who may have additional information, what option is strongest for the business. The executive however, must not loose sight of the companies true vision, and remember that the opinions of others may be clouded with different biases.

"While no decision is easy, if a CEO does not make the right choices then ultimately they may find things being taken out of their hands - as shareholders pressure the company management board to replace them," concludes Tim.

Source: CEO Guru - Taking decisions can be tough at the top | Tom Bowler | BBC News

HireQuality provides Recruitment, Talent Management, and Management Coaching services to meet your organizations needs. Call us at 416.413.1177 or visit our website for more information.