By Denis Pennel for staffingamericalatina

Talent is top of mind for most CEOs – from the composition of the leadership team to knowing how to access, mobilise and optimise the right talent across every level and position of the workforce, no matter where it is in the world. Clearly talent has an enormous impact on business success. Now more than ever, as boardroom discussions turn toward talent strategies and their impact on the bottom line, the role of Human Resources (HR) is elevated from transactional to strategic. HR now has a seat at the table, and it’s at the top of the agenda as executive teams struggle to find the right talent for today and to develop their leaders for tomorrow.

The talent mismatch on the labour market is well-documented and will continue to escalate as the global economy improves and the workforce becomes increasingly split between those with the required skills and those without. There has been a shift in skills desired by businesses with areas of niche skills and talent being hard to attract and retain. The good news is that the Private employment services industry (PrES) is uniquely placed to address this issue. The industry has vast experience in finding, understanding and motivating those with specific talent, helping businesses to succeed. However, the way leaders view PrES – both at the executive level and within the discipline itself – must change.

PrES has well established expertise in matching job seekers and employers but it plays another critical role. Bridging the gap between employers and job seekers. Helping both groups to navigate the ever-evolving, complex labour market landscape and show them that adapting to change will differentiate them in the future. This market intelligence will give companies a competitive advantage and individuals much needed expert guidance to navigate their careers now, and in the future.

Working with employers, PrES must become an extension of their HR department; developing a deep understanding the business pressures and needs, and sourcing the right talent with the right skills using this inside knowledge. This partnership will provide HR teams with the knowledge to discuss talent with their CEO.

For job seekers PrES can recognise the value of their education and expertise and thoroughly understand what it is that individuals are looking for. As the ‘job for life’ is becoming rarer, individuals will require continual contact with PrES to move on and take the next step in their career. Often this can mean changing job, location and even industry so that they gain the experience they need to develop their perfect career path. PrES will become effective career advisers and guides for this complicated journey.

Adapting to change and the future of work will not be easy for job seekers or employers, particularly due to how quickly this shift is happening. But the issue of talent must be addressed, before it is too late. PrES has an important role to play in this key global issue; we are well-placed to match labour supply and demand, even across international borders. And we are ready for the challenge.

About Denis Pennel

Managing Director of Ciett and Eurociett, Denis Pennel is a labour markets expert with deep knowledge and years of experience relating to employment at global and EU levels. He just published “Travailler pour soi”, a book about the new realities of work.

Follow Denis on Twitter @PennelDenis

About Ciett, www.ciett.org

As the International Confederation of Private Employment Agencies, Ciett is the authoritative voice representing the interests of agency work businesses. Founded in 1967, Ciett consists of 48 national federations of private employment agencies and seven of the largest staffing companies worldwide. Its main objectives are twofold: to help its members conduct their businesses in a legal and regulatory environment that is positive and supportive; to gain recognition for the positive contribution the industry brings to better functioning labour markets.

Follow Ciett on Twitter @ciett_waytowork