Threading the Talent NeedleWhat global executives are saying about people and work |
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“2009 is going to be a very tough year, but managing the demands of talent investment in the context of that difficult climate and long-term objectives is absolutely critical.”
- Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of The WPP Group
This study is based on one-on-one interviews with 28 senior executives, including chief executive officers (CEOs), chairmen and other leaders with responsibility for human resources. The study's 12 key findings uncover how companies are tackling today’s immediate talent challenges while positioning themselves for longer-term success:
- Talent strategies are not yet changing despite the financial crisis.
- Companies are focusing extra attention on critical workforce segments and top talent.
- Companies are making deliberate efforts to strengthen their employment brands.
- Globalization and emerging markets are shaping the talent agenda.
- Innovation is a key growth driver in every part of the business cycle.
- Companies are beginning to adopt non-traditional organization structures.
- CEOs are personally investing time and energy in talent.
- The leadership pipeline continues to be largely focused on developing leaders from within the organization.
- Gender diversity at the executive level remains a challenging issue.
- Managing a multi-generational workforce is a large and growing challenge.
- Flexible work practices are already in wide use and continue to expand.
- Companies are increasingly committed to social responsibility, in part because it helps attract top young talent.
"Threading the Talent Needle" highlights the challenges many companies face in tackling today’s immediate talent challenges while positioning themselves for longer-term success.
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Threading the Talent Needle
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