On the prowl

Lioness On the Prowl by Ian Glover is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A quarter of U.S. businesses are experiencing a marked increase in talent raids at the C-suite level, yet most are unprepared to combat this 'poaching' of their most capable people.

This is a key finding from a talent retention survey of nearly 400 human resources professionals conducted recently by Marlin Hawk. Of responding HR experts, 54 percent indicated that their company either has no plan to ward off poachers or, if it does, they’re unaware of it. And of those whose companies have a strategy in place, only 39 percent were satisfied with it.

The talent raid sirens

Mark Oppenheimer, Chief Commercial & Innovation Officer, Marlin Hawk reflected, “No organisation would let an intruder stroll in uncontested and walk off with financial assets or intellectual property, but when it comes to defending talent, the figurative gates are wide open.”

Results further indicated that while only 4 percent of respondents believe talents raids have been declining during the past two years, just 47 percent of respondents said their companies have a definitive plan to identify vulnerable talent.

Allowing departing, top-level talent to leave on good terms, and encouraging them to be transparent about their decision to leave. This can give some insights as to what competition is expected from other firms who are out on the hunt. A major obstacle to retaining talent is salary. From the junior level on up to the C suite, firms are luring employees with bigger paydays.

More than box ticking 

Some higher-ups believe that finding the right people and preparing them for what to expect in a job are important factors in making sure talent will not rush for the door when the late nights start to kick in or a client ends a long-term relationship. It is more than simply finding someone who is qualified for the position and checks all the boxes. When  late nights and close quarters are standard, executives say, it is more important than ever to put in the time—no matter how long it takes—to find people who will thrive in the culture and fit well with a team.