- Nick Elvin
UK workers have become increasingly concerned about the threat of talent gaps and skills shortages, according to a new study.
The Workforce View 2014/15, an annual barometer of the opinions and attitudes of UK workers and employers by human capital management solutions provider ADP, found that 50% of workers see talent gaps due to cuts and a lack of recruitment as a threat to their organisation – a significant leap from 2013 (37%). A further 46% believe talent gaps have come from a lack of investment in training and development.
Alongside the lack of employee training and consequential skills shortages, there are also growing concerns about long-standing staff leaving, with 38% of those questioned seeing a drain to other organisations as a threat, up from 26% last year. A further 29% say the loss of talent overseas is a major worry, up from 18% a year ago.
The attractiveness of international markets is particularly apparent in the IT sector, with 40% of those questioned saying a talent drain to other countries is a threat to their organisation. Plus, it isn’t just talent leaving that is an issue, with more than half (53%) of IT professionals saying an influx of overseas workers to the UK is also a threat.
Annabel Jones, HR director at ADP UK, said: “Although the economy is strengthening and businesses are increasingly eager to develop and attract new talent, our findings show that many HR departments are being held back by a lack of investment in attracting and retaining talent.
“With new opportunities on the rise, employees will undoubtedly start looking around for pastures new, so it’s crucial to dedicate time to motivating, engaging and rewarding them effectively, so they feel appreciated and challenged where they are.”