CEOs: Your 2018 Top Hiring Challenges are HERE

It’s 2018… old news by now. Well, check out this news: companies today have a different set of challenges and risks, and I’m not referring to cyberattacks or industry competitors … As an experienced executive technology recruiter who specializes in placing senior and sales management, I’ve seen it ALL since 1999. Here’s my take on the top hiring issues that CEOs may be ignoring, and putting them and their companies in danger of failure.  

Not developing your next generations

I recently read on td.org that “up until the Millennial generation, Baby Boomers had been the largest generation in history…. When the Baby Boomers retire from the workforce completely, they will leave the largest leadership gap in history.”

Employers need to get ready to fill vital high-level positions NOW.

SOLUTION: Start identifying high potential employees/candidates and help them develop the skills they will need to lead the next generations. Keep in mind that those skills may be different from those that are needed today. Also, discuss this with your recruiter, so you’re on the same page.

Not keeping staff from “jumping ship”

When you find and hire great talent, chances are that others think they’re great too, resulting in them being overwhelmed with job offers for positions at similar companies.

SOLUTION: A satisfied and engaged employee is less likely to have a wandering eye. Focus on identifying employees’ talents and matching their skills with the right roles and projects.

Not teaming up with HR and Recruiters

Management sets the tone when it comes to the entire hiring process. If a CEO or hiring manager does not have much interaction with their outside recruiters, it may lead to miscommunications and potentially making the wrong hires.

SOLUTION: Stay involved with HR and recruiters during the hiring process. It will move quicker, be smoother and will show your candidates that you care about your company, the role, and people.

Relying just on data

“AI, or “Artificial Intelligence” is THE buzzword for 2018. As powerful as technology is, making decisions relying just on data can be a mistake. According to BI & Analytics company Sisense “Data is only as valuable as the insights you can draw from it, and with all the information that’s floating about, it’s easy to find yourself being led astray.”

SOLUTION: Don’t ignore your gut instinct at times when it comes to hiring. Also, getting input from your team can help too. 

Not thinking about the ‘workplace of tomorrow’

Generations Y and Z are the future of companies, and with them come changes, like it or not. Examples: more creative work spaces, workplace wellness, collaboration, blurred lines between home and office, ability to have their technology on the go, etc.

Jeff Rospond, CEO of OpenSquare says that you should look at the following things at your company:

• Culture: Culture is expressing itself in new ways in the office—from the integration of nature and the personalization of design, to a worker’s ability to express authenticity at a job that provides them a sense of purpose.
• Employee engagement: The most engaged employees create new ideas and generate more profits. Workers who are highly satisfied are also more engaged, yet disengaged employees make up about one-third of the average workforce.
• Technology: An increasing range of devices and the growing adoption of the IoT (Internet of Things), virtual reality and artificial intelligence are not only changing the ways people work and the work they’re doing, it’s changing what is expected of the workplace.
• Creative work: Global issues require the unleashing of creative potential to solve problems, make new connections and generate ideas. This is a central shift being seen.

So take some new risks in 2018. Embrace change and look towards the future. Start TODAY.