Reshaping the Future: 3 Key Takeaways from "Skills in 2024" Whitepaper
As we step into 2024, the talent acquisition landscape continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities. In collaboration with the APSCo OutSource Client Community, we have delved into the intricacies of this dynamic environment. Our latest whitepaper, "Skills in 2024: Capitalising on the Opportunity to Reshape Talent Acquisition," encapsulates the insights gained from discussions with experts in HR, talent acquisition, procurement, and contingent labour.
Here are three key takeaways that will shape the talent landscape in the coming year:
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Rethinking Skills Measurement
The report emphasises the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how skills are measured. In a year marked by persistent uncertainty and widespread talent shortages, there is a collective desire for change. The traditional metrics of talent attraction and retention are no longer sufficient. The report advocates for a swift transformation in the way skills are evaluated, emphasising that collaboration is essential in addressing the ever-pressing worker shortages. As we navigate 2024. a year with potential political shifts, the report outlines opportunities that organisations must seize before new norms set in.
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Skills-Based Hiring in the Age of Automation
The landscape of talent acquisition witnessed significant developments in 2023, with skills occupying a central role in boardroom discussions and government policies. A staggering 77% of companies in the UK faced skills shortages, prompting government interventions to bolster the workforce. The whitepaper suggests that a multi-faceted approach, encompassing build, buy, borrow, and automate strategies, is necessary to address immediate gaps and create sustainable talent pools. Furthermore, the report advocates for a shift towards skills-based hiring and verification, recognising that the skills agenda for 2024 demands a departure from traditional hiring practices.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Reinvigoration
In the pursuit of talent, the paper highlights the significance of reinvigorating commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). While the initial fervour around DE&I may have waned, the whitepaper underscores the importance of tapping into underrepresented talent pools, such as the over-55s and early career demographics. Engaging older workers requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging their wealth of experience while adapting to their specific preferences. Simultaneously, attention must be directed towards nurturing emerging generations through sustained training and development, preventing them from falling through the gaps in the workforce.
The whitepaper positions the challenges of 2024 as opportunities for positive change. The collaboration across HR, procurement, staffing firms, and outsourcing providers becomes paramount. As we negotiate the uncertain economic climate, the call to challenge existing norms, embrace skills-based hiring, and prioritise diversity remains resounding. "Skills in 2024" is not just a report but a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and resilience in the face of evolving talent landscapes. All OutSource members can download the whitepaper here. If you are not a member of OutSource but are interested in receiving a copy, please email us at [email protected].
For further insights and ongoing discussions, stay tuned for more from the OutSource Knowledge Hub and the OutSource Client Community.
