Is Your Organization Winning the War for Talent?

In the digital era, talent acquisition and retention have become increasingly complex. To shed light on the latest strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, a panel of experts consisting of Radu Palamariu of Alcott Global, Stephan de Barse of o9 Solutions, and Santanu Ghosh of Asia Pulp & Paper gathered together. They shared their insights on topics ranging from data-driven recruitment and diversity promotion to enhancing employee experience and mastering remote work scenarios. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of upskilling and reskilling to maintain a competitive workforce. Here are the top five takeaways from their discussion:

1. Evolving Skill Sets:

In the face of digital transformation, organizations are seeking new skill sets to navigate the changing landscape. The combination of tech-savviness, storytelling ability, and deep process understanding is crucial. The emergence of roles like product managers, responsible for different aspects within a software product, can be adapted to traditional businesses. These product managers act as coaches for various functions within the organization, facilitating transformation and staying up to date with advancements.

2. Employer Branding and Reputation:

Building a strong employer brand and reputation is vital for attracting talent, especially in the competitive job market. The panel highlighted the importance of branding, particularly for newer companies. A compelling narrative, company values, and a positive reputation can help in attracting talent in a region like Asia, where unemployment rates are low. Employers need to emphasize their brand image and create a narrative that resonates with potential candidates.

3. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI):

The panel discussed the role of AI in supply chain operations and emphasized that AI should augment human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely. AI can automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for supply chain professionals to focus on value-added activities. However, the successful adoption of AI depends on effective communication and visualization of AI-driven insights to ensure acceptance and adoption within the organization.

4. Soft Skills as the Key to Relevance:

While technical skills like data science and coding are valuable, the panel highlighted the significance of soft skills in supply chain professionals. Skills like leadership, communication, and the ability to manage and motivate teams are crucial for success. Instead of attempting to become data scientists or coders, professionals should focus on building high-performing teams and becoming effective communicators who can leverage the expertise of others.

5. Retention Strategies:

Retaining supply chain talent requires a multi-faceted approach. Apart from traditional factors like compensation and culture, organizations should consider the larger purpose of their work and communicate it effectively. Younger generations seek meaningful work and want to contribute to a greater goal. Employers should emphasize the environmental and sustainability aspects of supply chain work to attract and retain talent. Additionally, nurturing a positive team culture, embracing flexibility, and providing opportunities for growth are key retention strategies.