Human Capital Challenges

Today’s workplace is faced with a paradox. Organizations realize that they have to change or risk perishing; at the same time, organizations understand the risk of perishing is due the disruption of change. In the U.S., up to 84 percent of organizations are involved in major organizational change (Palmer, Dunford, Akin, 2009). The challenges for HR professionals are different than they were a mere 10 years ago. The SHRM Foundation is widely acknowledged as the leader in HR content, research, and networking. The SHRM and The Balance Careers website include perspectives from experts on the topics of talent management and engagement, business and HR strategy, human capital, and the business environment.

Read: What Is Human Capital? (thebalancemoney.com) Address the following questions below (external research may be needed):

Based on the section on human capital, what are the challenges today?
Looking ahead in the coming decade, what are some of the foreseen human capital challenges?
What are the key factors that will determine an organization’s ability to successfully meet HR-related human capital challenges?

Full Answer Section Managing a diverse workforce: The workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, and organizations need to be able to manage this diversity effectively. This includes creating a culture of inclusion and respect, as well as providing training and development opportunities for employees from all backgrounds. Foreseen Human Capital Challenges In addition to the challenges listed above, organizations are also facing a number of foreseen human capital challenges. These challenges include: The aging workforce: The population is aging, and this will lead to a shortage of skilled workers. Organizations will need to find ways to attract and retain older workers, as well as to develop new talent pipelines. The rise of automation: Automation is becoming increasingly common, and this is displacing workers in a number of industries. Organizations will need to help their workers develop the skills they need to succeed in the new economy. The changing nature of work: The nature of work is changing, and this is leading to new challenges for HR professionals. For example, the rise of the gig economy is making it more difficult to manage a traditional workforce. Key Factors for Successfully Meeting HR-Related Human Capital Challenges The key factors that will determine an organization's ability to successfully meet HR-related human capital challenges include: A strong HR strategy: Organizations need to have a strong HR strategy in place that is aligned with the organization's overall business goals. A commitment to talent management: Organizations need to be committed to talent management, which includes attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. A focus on employee engagement: Organizations need to focus on employee engagement, which is the level of commitment and enthusiasm that employees have for their work. A willingness to invest in training and development: Organizations need to be willing to invest in training and development for their employees. A culture of inclusion and respect: Organizations need to create a culture of inclusion and respect that values diversity. By addressing these challenges and adopting the key factors for success, organizations can effectively manage their human capital and ensure that they have the talent they need to compete in the future. References Palmer, I., Dunford, R., & Akin, G. (2009). Managing organisational change. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education. SHRM Foundation. (n.d.). Human capital. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/pages/0812boudreau.aspx
Sample Answer

Challenges in Human Capital

Organizations today face a number of challenges in managing their human capital. These challenges include:

  • Attracting and retaining top talent: In today's competitive labor market, it is difficult for organizations to attract and retain top talent. Factors such as the rise of the gig economy and the increasing expectations of employees make it even more challenging to find and keep the best workers.
  • Developing a skilled workforce: The pace of technological change is accelerating, and organizations need to develop a workforce that has the skills to keep up. This requires ongoing training and development, as well as a willingness to invest in new skills and technologies.
  • Creating a positive and productive work environment: Today's employees are more engaged and productive when they feel valued and appreciated. Organizations need to create a positive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.