Trending Topics in the World of Work
Our April issue of SHIFT covers input from HR execs on the important issues affecting the workforce today; tackling the mental health workforce shortage; conducting a skills gap analysis; and embracing the new-collar workforce.
HR Executives Open Up About the Challenges They FaceBusiness Insider surveyed eight talent leaders, including consultants and HR chiefs across a range of industries, about the most pressing workplace challenges they are currently facing. They talked about “keeping the fire lit” around keeping people safe, healthy, engaged and productive. |
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Tackling the Mental Health Workforce ShortageImproving the mental health workforce shortage is one of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s top priorities. To tackle this, SAMHSA has several resources and grant programs in place to recruit more providers and support primary care physicians in treating mental health. |
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Conducting a Skills Gap AnalysisWhile skills gaps have always existed, workforces are currently undergoing dramatic changes that have exposed the shortage of expertise required for the new digital economy. A skills gap is the difference between an employee’s current abilities and the skillset best suited for their job. Skills gaps can lead to workplace inefficiency, with staff struggling to handle their responsibilities or perform assigned tasks. In addition, severe skill gaps may lead to employees being unable to perform their roles. |
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The New-Collar WorkforceMany workers today are stuck in low-paying jobs, unable to advance simply because they don’t have a bachelor’s degree. At the same time, many companies are desperate for workers and not meeting the diversity goals that could help them perform better while also reducing social and economic inequality. All these problems could be alleviated, according to an article in the Harvard Business Review, if employers focused on job candidates’ skills instead of their degree status. |
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