The impending retirement of the Baby Boomer generation is leaving a huge hole that will only get bigger. Because Boomers represent the largest generation in the workplace, businesses will be faced with a major issue – finding and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Over the past few years, the annual Randstad World of Work survey has focused on the growing worker shortage. The 2009 figures were recently released and they are troubling.
Of the 2,199 employees surveyed, 52% indicated there aren’t enough qualified managers currently in the workplace.
Hold on, it gets worse.
Looking to the future, 45% of employees believe there will be a significant shortage of trained, qualified managers and 51% have no desire to become a manager.
When asked why they don’t want to move into management, those surveyed identified four key barriers: increased level of stress (82%), handling disgruntled employees (74%), increased paperwork (63%) and having to fire or layoff employees (63%).
Companies have to solve this dilemma. To head off a potential leadership shortfall, organizations have to find a way to make management more attractive. That begins with knowledge and training, which can change behavior.
Training helps workers know what they’re supposed to do, why it’s important, and equips them with skills so they can do what's been asked of them. It’s a long-term commitment that starts with the initial hire, and grows through coaching and mentoring.
Companies have to make the commitment today to be successful tomorrow.
Posted on
Wed, September 2, 2009
by Sean Taylor Simpson
filed under