Talent shortage negatively impacting organizational performance: Survey

Skilled tradespeople, engineers hardest to find

The global talent shortage is intensifying, negatively impacting companies' performance, according to a survey by Manpower. Thirty five per cent of employers of employers report difficulties in finding staff with the right skills — the highest shortage since the start of the recession, found the poll of 40,000 employers worldwide.

Of those, one-half (54 per cent) believe this will have a high or medium impact on their ability to meet client needs. This is an increase from 42 per cent in 2012.

"Our survey reveals a collective awakening of employers to the impact of talent shortages to their business," said Jeffrey Joerres, ManpowerGroup chairman and CEO. "Globally employers are reporting the highest talent shortages in five years, and our results show that although many companies recognize the impact these shortages will have on their clients and bottom line, more than one in five are struggling to address the issue.”

Despite acknowledging the impact talent shortages have on their business, 22 per cent of employers are not changing course to identify new ways to address these shortages.

The research reveals that talent shortage is endemic across the world — but most acute in Japan (85 per cent of employers), Brazil (68 per cent) India (61 per cent), Turkey (58 per cent) and Hong Kong (58 per cent). Employers in Ireland (three per cent), Spain (three per cent), South Africa (six per cent), and the Netherlands and Czech Republic (nine per cent) are the least likely to face shortages.

The research shows that globally the roles most difficult to fill are skilled trades workers, engineers and sales representatives — unchanged from last year. Employers are reporting that accounting and finance and management/executive positions are also increasingly hard to fill.

Jobs most in demand in Canada in 2013

1. skilled trades workers
2. engineers
3. mkanagement/executive management
4. sales reps
5. technicians
6. drivers
7. accounting and finance staff
8. IT staff
9. teachers
10. labourers

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