Business headlines regularly sound the panic alarm over the so-called war for talent. In their view, the sky is falling: boomers are retiring in droves, leadership skills are lacking and the well of employee engagement is drying up. In this scenario, companies can’t find the people they need to meet the needs of the new economy.
Well, there may be a war all right, but the battlefield is not what you might think.
With a global economy that continues to experience extreme volatility; where once geographically isolated events cause weekly turbulence across world markets; where technological connectivity triggers instantaneous knee-jerk reactions, organizations are hardly in a position to offer any semblance of the stability that lends itself to predictable medium-term human capital planning and employment. The obvious outcome is that even growing companies are modulating their workforces on an on-going basis. And sectorial downturns continue to provoke all kinds of headcount reductions. So people are being hired, but they are also being fired. And it looks like no single cohort is particularly victimized. Youth continue to be chronically under-employed and subjected to the same LIFO conditions as they have always been. Middle management layers (and middle-agers) are still being cut out while technology and offshoring arrangements continue to replace them at a pervasive pace. And older workers, both at early and full retirement age, are being pushed out beyond the normal attrition rate and their need to work.
And many of these casualties, rich with digital and social media skills and/or invaluable life and business experience are fighting the talent war from the other side of the trench. They are looking for work: to find meaningful ways to make a living and a contribution to society. Some would love nothing more than to stay in their own field and area of expertise. Others are interested in pursuing latent passions that motivate them. The interest in entrepreneurialism is growing exponentially, but despite the increasing financial assistance and advice available, not everyone can have, or is wired to run, her or his own business. Yet, enthusiasm and passion are in large supply across this population, in spite of the challenges they face.
Admittedly, it may be a bit dramatic to speak of wars and battlefields in this context, but there should be no doubt as to the courage and determination of those who live with the collateral consequences of economic adjustments. They are the true heroes. And we should express admiration for the fortitude and patience they display in getting back into the job searching trenches every day. Is there really a shortage of talent out there?