According to Talent Q, 55% of UK organisations are anticipating increasing their investment in talent management in the year ahead, up 15% on 2009.
The results of Talent Q's latest annual talent management survey suggest increased confidence across nearly all sectors and proactivity on the part of the HR community in leading their organisations out of the downturn.
The survey, which canvassed the views of 225 senior HR professionals, reports only 26% say that strategy in this area would remain unchanged (compared with 38% in 2009).
Looking to the next 12 months, organisations report their intention to adapt their talent management strategies in preparation for the economic upturn, which includes increased investment in the development of their existing talent pool, redefining what they look for in new employees, and a drop in intention to reduce headcount.
Financial services organisations have begun re-investing in talent, with 71% planning to spend more, although this relates to a very low base last year. Similarly, investment in this area is also relatively high in the public sector (61%) and utilities organisations (58%). Other sectors, which may be more severely impacted by the recession, appear to be significantly less confident with regard to investment. Less than half (46%) of respondents in the retail/consumer sector, and 42% of the professional services sector, plan to up their investment.
Alan Bourne, director of Talent Q, said: "The stated intention to increase expenditure on employee development is a welcome message, indicating a renewed focus on existing talent within organisations. The intention to re-examine what is required in new hires is also a positive response, indicating that organisations are taking on board some of the lessons of the past few years."
