By Denis Pennel for staffingamericalatina

May’s annual gathering of the global private employment services (PrES) industry saw national federations and companies from over 30 different countries join together in Brussels for the 2014 Ciett World Employment Conference. We see a new world of work emerging, at an ever-increasing pace, and it is up to us as an industry to decide how to embrace this change. In 2014, the world continues to change at an alarming rate and the role of our industry is growing. Annemarie Muntz, newly elected Ciett President, addressed the conference: “Each year the PrES industry helps 36 million people in their job life and we must realise that our contribution to the economy and society is invaluable. We should not be afraid to approach policy makers as well as our social partners and tell the positive stories.”

The future workforce will be made up of a new generation, with new values. Technology means that business in America moves to business in Asia and business in Europe. Clearly there are opportunities out there, so why is unemployment still so rife? In fact, the issue often boils down to a mismatch between the available skills and experience of the unemployed and the requirements of the jobs open to them. One group that is particularly suffering as a result of this is youth.

Imagine a country where no one can find a job and everyone is younger than 25. This country threatens the economic vitality, social fabric and long-term stability of much of the world. It is a country of lost potential. Youth unemployment is a slow-burning yet acute crisis that needs continuous attention from the world’s businesses and governments. By equipping young people with training, skills and experience they can successfully make that leap and step into the labour market. In fact, many young people have a distinct advantage; they often are already technologically clued-up in a way that older generations are not. The PrES industry can help these people find meaningful work.

Now imagine the single mum, who was able to re-enter the labour market only because she could work flexible hours thanks to one of our members. She would get a chance through a private employment agency, because that is what we do: we believe in people’s strengths, and we invest in them. There are 36 million stories like this each year. These positive stories are what the future of work is about.

The PrES industry has a crucial role to play for both companies and people and there is plenty of research to prove the positive impact of the contingent workforce on the labour market and throughout the economy. We must work to spread these positive messages to those that either don’t know or refuse to believe. It is up to the industry, and those working in it, to be proud of giving people employment and giving business a sustainable future.

Private employment agencies have real, on-the-ground experience that if properly utilised can help to create more efficient labour markets in times of high volatility and changing needs. Our industry can help companies adapt to these changes, while also playing a pivotal role implementing active labour market policies and finding market-based solutions that may take time to evolve otherwise. Governments can leverage this knowledge and partner with the private employment industry to optimise labour regulations, increase market integration and encourage participation.

There is one quote from Ciett President, Annemarie Muntz that resonated with me. “We have to go out and tell our stories. We have to become storytellers.” Our industry has a huge positive effect on the world, a valuable story to tell, and it is time that we told it.

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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 recently 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 Services, Ciett is the authoritative voice representing the interests of agency work businesses. Founded in 1967, Ciett consists of 50 national federations of private employment agencies and eight 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, and follow the European confederation of Private Employment Services Eurociett at @Eurociett