With so many variables at play in the new normal, hiring a diversified pool of talent with diversified skills is becoming a norm.

Restless, ambitious and aspirational

These were the traits of the talent pool of potential employees even a couple of generations back. The only thing that the yesteryear generation missed out on was the ease of information available and the accessibility to a network. Needless to mention, the amazing technology is available at their disposal at the click of a button.

Identifying the characteristics of the new generation,  Mr Prashant Khullar, CHRO, Ecom Express, emphasises on the capability to break down and solve problems. While Gen Z employees have a knack for finding solutions, from an organisational point of view it is imperative to look at how we bring technology to the workplace while identifying and retaining the workforce for the future. 

Skills for the Gen Z Generation

As time are progressing, it is important to understand that the new generation of employees is indispensable to a business and valuing them as partners will likely become a practice while building a future-ready workforce. While today’s generation of employees looks plum, quick on their feet driven by a desire to make quick money, they also run the risk of giving in to instant gratification and getting easily bored at work. Pointing out to the number one skill that will benefit today’s generation of employees,  Kamaljeet Kaur, Director & CHRO, Sterlite Power says, resilience and the ability to cope with failures are two very important skills that need to be ingrained in them. On the other end of the spectrum, one also needs to look at how organisations are evolving. Organisations, slowly but gradually, are moving towards creating a purposeful and sustainable ecosystem. Likewise, a talent pool driven by a sense of purpose will serve business and social cause. 

Retaining a future-ready employee workforce

Pandemic has changed the way we work and disrupted working models. In the past couple of years, one has seen hybrid working and practices like moonlighting evolve. One has also seen employees realigning their values amidst changing personal and professional priorities with an emphasis on work-life balance. 

With so many variables at play in the new normal, hiring a diversified pool of talent with diversified skills is becoming a norm. And hiring brings the aspect of retaining talent. At this juncture, building an entrepreneurial mindset driven by a sense of ownership is important. While organisations will come forward to provide a growth platform, the responsibility lies on the individual. Learning cross-functional skills is imperative too. 

At the end of the day, no company wants to lose out on talent. While a low degree of attrition is generally considered healthy, attrition remains a cost to the company. And in an ecosystem that is moving forward to give security, credibility and appreciation to an employee for his contribution, it is paramount to hire and retain employees aligned with organisational values and a deep sense of human touch concurred experts at the BW People HR Excellence Summit And Awards 2023.