Workforce Health: Emerging Challenges Face Workforce
Eric P. Canada
Blane Canada Ltd.
Blind-Spot Threatens Worker Training Strategies
With a stunning 57% growth in the number of companies planning to add new products in the next three years, there will be challenges with the workforce. According to a new study of business issues, companies will have more difficulty going forward finding the workforce needed to be competitive in a global market.
According to the study, workforce development boards, community colleges, and even business executives look at workforce needs in a vacuum, from a pure human resource perspective. There are worker challenges from a human resource perspective. At least 24% of companies already have difficulty attracting workers with the proper skills. But, when business dynamics are brought into the picture, everything changes.
The study, "Workforce Health: Emerging Challenges Face Workforce" analyzed 5,694 business executive interviews conducted in 343 communities from January 2000 to December 2003. The analysis was conducted by Blane, Canada Ltd. The raw data for the research was gathered by 17 economic development professionals using the Synchronist Business Information System.
The "blind-spot" is visible only when one looks at workforce requirements in the context of company growth. These growth dynamics, planned expansions as well as the introduction of new products, tell a different story. These growth dynamics will require soft skills like innovation at both the product as well as production levels. Plus, flexibility and the ability to deal with constant change will be at a premium.
Workforce is a shared asset for businesses and communities. Each owes it economic destiny to the skill, talent, and discipline workers bring to their work daily. It is incumbent upon both to find effective ways prepare workers with hard and soft skills. Without the combination, businesses and communities will be ill equipped to succeed in a global economic environment.
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Workforce Health: Emerging Challenges Face Workforce
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ERIC P. CANADA is a principal with Blane, Canada Ltd. and author of "Economic Development: Marketing for Results!"
In business since 1983, Blane, Canada Ltd. is an economic development consulting firm serving clients in the US and Canada. Blane, Canada Ltd. is a recognized authority on economic development marketing and business retention. The Synchronist Business Information System? is a business assessment software tool in use by 16 states, 32 regions, and over 300 communities. The System helps local economic development leaders organize, analyze, and report company and community information, giving community leader's invaluable insight into the dynamics of the local economy.
For more information, contact: Eric P. Canada, Blane, Canada Ltd., 1506 Cadet, Suite 100, Wheaton, IL 60187 Tel. 630.462.9222 ecanada@blanecanada.com.