Three in four HR professionals expect Brexit to escalate the ‘war for talent', according to a report from the CIPD and Hays.
The latest CIPD/Hays Resourcing and Talent Planning survey found that 72% expect the competition for well-qualified talent to increase, and 61% predict further difficulty recruiting senior and skilled employees over the next three years.
The report, which surveyed more than 1,000 HR professionals, revealed that recruitment difficulties are already being experienced by three-quarters (75%).
It found that nearly two-thirds (65%) agree that the skills needed for jobs in their organisation are changing, and that demand for professionals with leadership (58%), digital (54%) and commercial awareness skills (51%) is likely to increase over the next year.
However, despite recognising the need for smarter, more targeted recruitment, only 16% say their organisation currently measures the return on investment of recruitment activity. Similarly, 56% say their workplace doesn’t calculate the cost of people leaving the business.
Claire McCartney, associate research adviser at the CIPD, said: “Today’s research highlights a mounting war for talent and the subsequent need for organisations to sharpen their focus on strategic recruitment and effective retention; to attract and maintain the skills they need in an increasingly competitive labour market.
"Brexit, and its impact on the labour market, should act as a stimulus for organisations to focus their attention on building a stronger, more productive workforce, by staying alert to potential changes in their skill needs and being agile in their response.
“However, they can’t effectively do this unless they are measuring, evaluating and then strengthening their recruitment and talent strategies, based on an understanding of their existing talent profile. Even the simplest forms of measurement can be effective, such as tracking the turnover rate of new hires, seeking feedback from candidates on their experience, and monitoring the performance of new recruits.”
