Dive Brief:
- Finding high-quality talent is the top challenge for HR leaders in 2019, according to a new survey from XpertHR. In the poll of 800 HR professionals, 64% said that sourcing quality applicants was "very or extremely challenging." More than half of respondents reported being challenged by making sure workers and supervisors have the skills needed now and in the future, and about the same amount of people have been challenged by creating a succession plan (50%). Slightly fewer people said they are challenged by increasing employee engagement, morale and satisfaction (49%) and retaining employees (40%).
- In other survey results, 47% of respondents found managing performance and providing professional development opportunities challenging; 43% found aligning talent retention strategy with business objectives "very" or "extremely" challenging; and 40% said that handling employee mergers and acquisitions was "very" or "extremely" challenging.
- XpertHR said that to effectively plan and manage their workforce and successfully compete in a global, competitive market, employers must have the right workers for the right jobs at an appropriate cost. The company recommends that employers evaluate the unique factors affecting their business and long- and short-term goals, use data analytics to measure and assess progress and understand where and how they should focus their efforts and reduce costs.
Dive Insight:
Finding qualified talent for the right job has always challenged HR professionals, recruiters and hiring managers. However, a tight labor market raises the stakes — job seekers are driving the market, deciding which companies they want to work for and bypassing employers that aren't offering what they want.
"Today's workforce is changing at an incredibly rapid rate as transformations in society, government, culture, technology, communications and the legal landscape impact employers and the workplace," said Beth Zoller, JD, Legal Editor for XpertHR, in a statement.
Understanding what today's workers want and what motivates them is critical in hiring. Money remains a top motivator for job seekers. But employers can increase their ability to compete for talent by focusing on employee experience and engagement and retention, and offering much in-demand benefits and perquisites, such as flexible work options, career development opportunities, paid leave, meaningful work and programs that improve employees' health and wellbeing.
