Nearly 6 in 10 Hong Kong bosses worry over talent shortage

Check out these jobs in dire need of manpower.

According to Manpower Singapore's 8th Talent Shortage Survey, talent shortage is endemic across the world – but most acute in Japan (85 percent of employers), Brazil (68 percent) India (61 percent), Turkey (58 percent) and Hong Kong (58 percent). 

Employers in Ireland (three percent), Spain (three percent), South Africa (six percent), the Netherlands (nine percent) and Czech Republic (nine percent) are the least likely to face shortages.

The research shows that globally the roles most difficult to fill are Skilled Trades Workers, Engineers and Sales Representatives – unchanged from last year. Employers are reporting Accounting and Finance and Management/Executive positions are also increasingly hard to fill.

Despite acknowledging the impact talent shortages have on their business, a staggering 22 percent of employers are not changing course to identify new ways to address these shortages.

ManpowerGroup today also launched a new insight paper, The Great Talent Shortage Awakening: Actions to Take for a Sustainable Workforce, which examines several strategies HR leaders can pursue to fuel their organization’s competitiveness for years to come.

These include identifying and attracting untapped talent, creating a culture of talent development, implementing a Teachable Fit framework to “manufacture” talent aligned with business needs, and improving collaboration with education institutions to ensure graduates are work ready.

“After years of talking about talent shortages, the survey results show employers are now awakening to the business effects that occurs when talent is scarce,” said Linda Teo, Country Manager of Manpower Singapore.

“Business leaders have accepted that talent shortages are an ongoing, long-term challenge and are ready to address solutions, they just want guidance.”