Data Watch

Global HR Leaders' Perceptions and Attitudes

A clear majority (82%) of global Human Resources leaders believe that the "war for talent" is, and will continued to be, a key and enduring business issue for at least the next 10 years, indicates new research from Resources Global Professionals' study. Even so, most are focusing their current efforts on finding shorter-term solutions, according to the study, which drew on a survey of human resources (HR) executives across eight countries in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

HR is focused on implementing short-term measures to recruit and retain talent, with 90% planning to hire external resources, 60% looking to source offshore talent, and 59% planning to increase productivity without recruiting.

In large numbers, these HR leaders appear to want more influence among business decision-makers. Nearly all (98%) surveyed consider themselves to be part of senior management, 42%, however, believe they have less influence than other members of that team. Furthermore, a wide variation in this finding is evident. While about 40% of these leaders in the European region believe they have the same level of influence as other members of the senior team, the percentage drops considerably, to just 25%, among those located in North America.

Reducing administrative costs and simplifying processes are high priorities for companies, finds the survey, which explored numerous issues affecting HR leaders globally. The preferred route for doing so is through the creation of shared services centers (i.e., back office optimization of process and support activities) rather than through outsourcing. Notably, only 40% indicate that they outsource the recruitment function.