How are business heads strategizing for Talent Acquisition in today's world? Buying, Building, Borrowing talent, or banking on Bots? What is their talent strategy when it comes to optimizing organization cost & effectiveness?
Nitin Prasad, Chairman of Shell Group of Companies for India took the stage at People Matters Talent Acquisition Conference in Mumbai, he was upbeat about talent, recruitment, and employer branding.
In the current scenario, one should know an employee’s purpose and the company's purpose that can help them in the longer run. People have started asking organizations- what is your purpose? What do you stand for? When such questions come from prospective employees, it surely indicates the seriousness of the candidates. He said, “If any organization can crack the alignment between employees and the company's purpose, it will have a positive output at the end of the year.”
The Chairman of Shell also pointed out the importance of employee and employer branding. Today, every employee is a brand ambassador for the company. And, it is an excellent opportunity for companies to tap into. It creates a sense of pride and belongingness among them.
'Insightfulness' is another important tool for employees and companies. An employee has the potential to persuade consumers in the market. Companies need to create an HR function that is in sync with every individual, and both the parties should think as one. "What one can do for the organization and what can the organization do for us,' said Sharma.
He emphasized on partnering with individuals and on the importance of understanding different emerging models of recruitment. He said, "We have a large recruitment program, and we engage with each candidate. We are distinctly clear about where we have to go and recruit talent. We don't hire for the next 3-4 years. We hire for the next decade."
With the given situation, becoming a strong employer brand is tough; companies are an expression of the marketplace. They need to be a marketer and a recruiter—all at the same time.
Talent Acquisition is a tough nut to crack, and retaining talent is not an easy task. Retaining the right talent is equally important and organizations should value employees.
When asked about the key to the long-term approach to recruitment in a fast-changing world of talent. He concluded by saying, "Recruiting has become like robots, not engaging with a person, we should remind ourselves that we need to build human connection."
(This article is based on the session by, Nitin Prasad, Chairman, Shell Group of Companies on Buy, Build, Borrow or Bot at the People Matters Talent Acquisition Conference 2019.)