Employers focus on human skills; employees crave jobs with purpose

• 96% of companies place emphasis on innovation
• Strong correlation between purpose and fulfilment
• Increasing number of companies offering flexible working

After years of talking about disruption, executives are determined to turn talk into action. According to Mercer’s 2018 Global Talent Trends Study – Unlocking Growth in the Human Age, 96% of UK companies have innovation on their core agenda this year and 92% are planning organisation design changes. At the same time, employees are seeking control of their personal and professional lives, with more than half asking for more flexible work options.

As the ability to adapt becomes a key differentiator for success in a competitive global climate, the challenge for organisations is to bring their people along on the journey, especially as the top ask from employees is for leaders who set clear direction.

Ilya Bonic, President – Career Business, Mercer explained, “This year, executives are pursuing an agenda of continuous evolution—rather than episodic transformation—to remain competitive. They recognise that it’s the combination of human skills plus advanced digital technology that will drive their business forward.”

The report also delved into what helps employees thrive. Three-quarters of personally and professionally fulfilled employees in the UK reported that their company has a strong sense of purpose. Employees also want more flexible work options, and organisations have been listening—77% of executives now view flexible working as a core part of their value proposition.

Bonic noted, “As the skills gap widens and human competencies become more important, making sure that a diverse pool of talent can participate in the workforce at all life stages is both a business and a societal imperative.”

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