Skills Shortage Affecting Innovation – How SmartWorking Can Help
There is apparently a skills shortage in Ireland that is threatening to hamper innovation and adversely affect employee performance according to a report published by PwC. The report found that 75% of organizations are finding it difficult to attract and retain talented and skilled employees in key positions in finance, technology, engineering and regulatory roles.
Another report by Marvel Education also highlights the shortage and demand for skills in roles related to engineering, in software, game development, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. The PwC report finds that the skills gap in Ireland is currently at a 13 year high, with 89% companies deciding to hike salaries and pay scales of employees by 2%-3% in order to retain talent. The current housing crisis was cited as one of the main reasons for this problem.
So is there a solution to this ‘crisis’?
How Smart Working Helps Tackle Skill Shortage
What is smart working? It basically entails working flexibly. Employers and employees can make use of technology to enable real-time efficient communication and work collaboration. This way, employees can work from home or a co-working space either every day or a few times a week. They can fix work timings and collaborate with the rest of the team for completion of tasks.
As for the skill shortage problem, smart working bridges the geographical barrier via technology. Employees and employers are connected virtually. Smart working can connect skilled employees from around the world with the right employers and right jobs. Companies can find the right candidates for roles and employees can find the most suitable jobs. Smart working is also known to boost productivity and creativity. Hence, smart working solves all the issues listed in the report – skill shortage, hampered productivity, lack of innovation.
Companies need to realize that the market is changing. Smart working is increasingly becoming a favoured practice. Adopting it will help organizations fight the war for talent and enhance their businesses in the long run.