Large global enterprises are facing challenges in finding high-value knowledge workers to drive their global growth, according to a study by Expereo. The research, which surveyed over 650 CIOs from global enterprises across Europe, the US, and APAC, found that one-third of these organizations struggle to hire the skilled workers they need. As a result, 32% of CIOs admitted to hiring someone they have never met in person. The study also identified skills and resource retention, challenging security environments, and complicated infrastructure as the top barriers to global growth. Among the specific skills sought by CIOs, finding the right mix of business and technology skills was the most challenging. Other desirable skills included governance and regulatory compliance, cyber security, AI/ML, and data analytics.
The research highlighted the importance of hybrid and remote working policies, with 43% of global CIOs stating that such policies have enabled them to hire from a wider geographical pool of talent. Additionally, 38% of CIOs reported that their teams are now located in different countries or markets. The ability to tap into a global pool of workers and partners was seen as crucial for attracting and retaining skilled employees.
Flexible working arrangements were found to be a major driver for retaining and recruiting highly skilled employees, with 48% of CIOs stating that it is the key factor. The study revealed that almost three-quarters of businesses now operate with employees working three days or fewer in the office. The demand for hybrid and remote working was attributed to cost-of-living pressures, but some CIOs indicated that they expect an increase in the number of days employees will be required to work from the office due to productivity concerns and home connectivity issues.
While hybrid and remote working provide access to a wider talent pool, CIOs face challenges in ensuring application performance across multiple locations and providing 24/7 support across different time zones. These requirements put additional pressure on IT teams.
Ben Elms, Chief Revenue Officer at Expereo, emphasized the importance of having the right technology in place to support the evolving needs of a global workforce. He highlighted the need for connectivity and collaboration in a remote world and the significance of staying connected and enabling interaction with colleagues and customers across the globe.
Expereo is a leading global provider of managed network solutions, offering Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet services. The company powers enterprise and government sites in over 190 countries, helping customers improve productivity and network performance.
In conclusion, large global enterprises are struggling to find high-value knowledge workers to support their expansion plans. The competition for talent is fierce, and organizations are increasingly turning to hybrid and remote working policies to tap into a broader talent pool. However, this shift comes with its own challenges in terms of connectivity and support. Having the right technology in place is crucial for ensuring successful global collaboration and growth.
