Money.
Research and Development. Global Strategy. They’re all critical to
corporate success. However, many companies, especially those that are
truly future-focused, now find that people are the primary
competitive advantage.
"In our increasingly idea-based economy,
corporate success relies on the talents and brainpower of quality
employees," said Brian Block, Director of Permanent Franchise
Operations for Dunhill Staffing Systems, Inc. "What sets companies
apart – what really prepares them for the future – is a strong human
capital strategy ensuring bench strength both today and tomorrow."
Yet, a recent study by a prominent consulting group
found that many companies feel they are "talent constrained."
Seventy-five percent of executives surveyed said their companies either
don’t have enough talent or are chronically short of it; ironically,
only 10 to 20 percent said improving their talent pool was one of the
company’s top three priorities.
Statistics point to a steadily shrinking talent pool,
and if history holds true, the economy will continue to expand, and that
pool will become even more shallow. A severe talent shortage already
plagues high-tech companies whose employee demands have skyrocketed:
some markets have tens of thousands of unfulfilled jobs. Some experts
are sounding the bell, alerting other industries. When 50% of high-tech
job offers are turned down and about 30% of high-tech jobs take six
months or more to fill, they say that’s cause for concern.
Experts recommend turning a critical eye on your
company and evaluating whether you have the talent inventory to ensure
company growth. Consider these five questions:
-
Do
you find that good ideas can’t be implemented simply because you
don’t have the talent to implement them?
-
Has
attracting top talent become so problematic that senior positions
either go unfilled or you find yourself lowering your standards to
accept the talent that’s available?
-
Do
you understand what top candidates look for… beyond the size of
their paycheck?
-
Does
your organization actively discuss strategies to improve and harvest
your talent pool?
-
Has
implementing those strategies become high-priority?
Dunhill’s
Block says finding and keeping top employees must be a priority:
"Our staffing specialists help their clients focus on this
important formula for success -- attracting, developing and retaining
talent. Maintaining the right talent inventory now is a first step in
building a team for future success."
