84 per cent of Irish companies battling skills shortage

The importance of relevant skills

A major survey conducted by CIPD Ireland – the umbrella body for Human Resources and learning & development – has found that 84% of Irish organisations are battling skills shortages for new talent. That compares to a rate of 81% in the same survey last year.

CIPD commissioned the research through the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick, which collected more than 500 responses from HR departments around the country. The worst affected sectors for skills shortages include ICT, customer service, other information services and financial services.

Director of CIPD Ireland, Mary Connaughton says: ‘It’s clear to see that the internal talent pipeline is a critical issue for our HR colleagues across the country. Our members are doing what they can through methods like succession planning and investing in their brand, but we would also like to see the government step up their efforts too. We’d urge the government to drive more flexible options for working and learning. More supports are needed for those who want to re-enter the labour force at all ages too. Thirdly, Ireland’s migration system must be more responsive to serve our needs more efficiently’.

The CIPD research shows more than half (53%) of members rate “flexible working” as a top priority over the next two years. Similar numbers saw it as a way to both promote inclusiveness and address the gender gap in their organisation.

Mary Connaughton adds ‘It’s interesting to see the flexible working growing in popularity. It’s important that companies plan carefully to maximise the chance of it being successful for them and their employees. We recommend having clear principles in place, and monitoring the progress of any new way of working, including flexible and remote styles’.

The figures also examined CIPD members’ feelings about the effect of smartphones on employee well-being. Among those who feel it has a positive impact, just under a third (31%) praised the fact that it allows more flexible working. On the negative side, another third (33%) complained that it prevents workers from switching off outside of work hours.

CIPD Ireland says the figures show that companies need to look at policies surrounding wellbeing at work, and the positive impact it can have on a workforce.

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