“Talent is the number one priority of a CEO. You think it’s about vision and strategy, but you have to get the right people first” – Andrea Jung, Grameen America
As businesses gear up for the challenges and opportunities that 2024 will bring, talent management remains at the forefront of strategic priorities. In a landscape defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving workforce dynamics, organizations must take every step possible to attract, retain, and develop top talent.
In my role as Senior Director and GM of a company that has worked with thousands of staffing firms over 25 years, I have seen firsthand the role talent management plays in business success. With that in mind, here are my five essential talent management keys to success for the year ahead:
1. Embracing AI in Talent Management
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in all knowledge-based fields, including talent management. The ever-changing tech is quickly revolutionizing traditional practices and offering unprecedented insights into workforce dynamics. By integrating AI-powered tools and platforms into talent management workflows, organizations can streamline recruitment processes, enhance candidate sourcing and selection, and gain valuable predictive analytics to inform strategic workforce planning. AI-driven assessments can also help identify high-potential employees and personalize development plans, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
2. Shifting to a Skills-Based Model
According to research from KornFerry, by 2030 it is estimated that 85 million jobs will go unfilled due to lack of available skills. Organizations that adopt a skills-based approach now will be in the best position to prosper. What does this mean exactly? For one, it means hiring by focusing more on practical experience and knowledge than traditional hiring requirements like college degrees. It also involves rethinking and deconstructing job roles to focus on work to be done, rather than strict roles and teams. For candidates, it means focusing on developing highly sought after skills.
To me, communication is a key skill to focus on. You can teach the skills necessary for any job, but a good communicator will always serve any company well.
3. Prioritizing Employee Experience and Well-being
Employee experience has emerged as an absolutely critical differentiator for organizations looking to attract and retain top talent. In 2024, any successful talent management strategy must prioritize the holistic well-being of employees – including physical, mental, and emotional health. Organizations can do this is by fostering a supportive work environment, promoting work-life balance, and providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
Personally, I place a high level of importance on discerning people’s career goals – something I feel often gets lost. What skills are needed to attain specific career goals? Where does the candidate/employee want to go? I feel like those questions are not asked often enough.
4. Harnessing the Power of Data-Driven Decision-Making
In the era of big data, organizations have access to a huge wealth of information about their workforce. Successful talent management in 2024 will hinge on the ability to harness the power of data-driven decision-making. By leveraging advanced analytics and predictive modeling, organizations can identify trends, anticipate future talent needs, and optimize workforce strategies accordingly. This includes analyzing employee performance data to identify top performers, assessing turnover patterns to identify retention risks, and identifying skill gaps to inform targeted training and development initiatives.
5. Cultivating a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, organizations must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as core values within their talent management strategies. In 2024, successful organizations will go beyond token gestures and embrace DEI as a fundamental business imperative. This includes implementing inclusive hiring practices, fostering a culture of belonging, and providing equal opportunities for career advancement and development. Organizations that prioritize DEI will not only attract top talent from diverse backgrounds but also foster innovation, creativity, and resilience within their workforce.
In conclusion, the year 2024 presents both opportunities and challenges for talent management. By embracing AI, emphasizing skills, prioritizing employee experience and well-being, harnessing the power of data-driven decision-making, and cultivating a culture of DEI, organizations can position themselves for success. And those that don’t…well, I wish them luck!
Jeremy Bilsky is the Senior Director and General Manager at Advance Partners, a Paychex subsidiary that provides payroll funding to staffing firms. Jeremy has direct leadership responsibility for the Advance Partners business unit, leading the senior management team and all related functional areas. Jeremy has been with Advance Partners for over 20 years in many capacities.