Low engagement, lagging productivity also concerns
Shortage of talent at all levels is the most pressing human resource challenge Canadian organizations expect to face in 2012, according to a survey by Right Management. Thirty-four per cent of the 182 executives surveyed said their organization’s talent shortage was their biggest HR concern.
“After three years of organizational contraction and less internal investment companies are taking a hard look at their onboard talent and aren’t pleased with what they find,” said Michael Haid, senior vice-president of talent management at Right Management. “Lean times make it hard for organizations seeking to recruit, retain or develop future leaders. And they’re keenly aware of the tough competitive environment they’re in and the need to hold onto and build leadership.”
Slightly less than one-quarter (24 per cent) of survey respondents said low engagement and lagging productivity were their biggest concerns.
Lack of high potential leaders in their organization (23 per cent) and loss of top talent to other organizations (20 per cent) are also expected challenges, found the survey.
Defection of top talent is also a ranking concern of many employers but less of a concern than it was one year ago, said Haid.
“While defection to competitors is a worry, more and more organizations have to deal not only with the current lack of leadership bench strength, but also an increasingly disengaged workforce... if our survey trends are any indicator,” said Haid. “This is the kind of concern that HR people lose sleep over.”
