January 27, 2016 — OI Global Partners, a leading human resources consulting firm that helps organizations with executive coaching and individuals manage their careers, is highlighting a number of current and emerging trends in the world of work that are affecting employers and employees. As organizations and individuals move forward in the year ahead, it is imperative they be aware of these trends. Additionally, in order to enhance their competitiveness and ability to succeed, they must make the necessary investments in education and training to keep pace – or better still, to stay ahead – of these trends.
“It is no secret that we are working harder and faster these days,” said Susan Ruhl, Chair for OI Partners and a founding partner of ICC Inc. “We are so focused on our daily tasks and deliverables that we risk losing sight of our strategic, long-term goals for success and fulfillment,” she added. “For example, many organizations are struggling to find the ‘right people’ for the open positions that they need to fill; however, in order to attract and retain the ‘right people,’ they first need to know what the ‘right people’ want from their employer.”
Research data indicate that organizations must offer learning opportunities to attract, retain and cultivate engaged and productive employees. In 2015, Learnkit did a study that gathered together feedback employees revealed about their company’s training and onboarding, and showed that onboarding has a shocking impact on their engagement.
Key findings of the study showed that:
- 66% of employees say they value learning opportunities over monetary compensation.
- 63% of employees said they would be more engaged if they had better training.
- According to Learnkit, better training “equates to happier employees, improved culture, better customer experiences, and an overall positive impact on your bottom line.”
For individuals who are currently employed and who want to advance in their career, research data indicate that they need to invest in themselves to ensure they are enhancing their current skills and learning new skills. For example, recent McKinsey research finds that up to 45 percent of the tasks performed by US workers can be automated by currently existing technologies and about 60 percent of occupations could have 30 percent or more of their activities automated. As a result, professionals should ensure they are diversifying their skills to help ensure their long-term employability.
Additionally, professionals should cultivate so-called “soft” skills such as communication, leadership and coaching. Given the rise of startups and the increased emphasis on speed and innovation, professionals must be able to lead and thrive in a less structured and more collaborative work environment. According to Susan Ruhl, “While subject matter expertise is still important, our clients are telling us that they need more people who can lead and succeed in an ever-evolving and rapidly changing economy. Today, new business opportunities and challenges can emerge very quickly. Therefore, organizations need people who can anticipate and/or respond by engaging the human and financial resources that are necessary to be successful.”
About OI Global Partners
OI Global Partners is the leading human resources consulting firm that helps organizations manage their talent and individuals manage their careers. We are local experts with global perspective. A partnership with offices around the world. Our firm has its roots in OI Partners Inc., founded in 1987, and CareerNet International Ltd., founded in 1998. We are managed by a Global Alliance Board with administrative operations in Nashville and Amsterdam. Please contact us online or call 800-232-5285.
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