Poor workforce planning hinders business growth – Kelly survey
MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES — Businesses are failing to unlock the full potential of their employees due to poor workforce planning, according to a new global survey by staffing firm Kelly.
“The 2024 Kelly Global Re:work Report” was based on over 5,000 responses from senior executives and employees across 13 countries and eight industry sectors in Q2 of 2024.
The findings show that half of senior executives (54%) reported that poor workforce planning is a major barrier to their company’s expansion, with 47% admitting that they are missing out on business opportunities due to talent shortages.
Meanwhile, 42% confessed they are not unlocking the full potential of their current workforce.
Employee frustrations driving turnover
Workers attribute this failure to lack of career progression and skills training from employers.
The survey found women feel particularly disadvantaged, with 34% likely to leave their current role compared to just 20% of men. Minority employees are nearly twice as likely to quit within 12 months.
Executives acknowledged inadequate training and advancement opportunities drive turnover, yet only 25% offer sufficient in-person training programs.
Ineffective AI adoption and lack of training
Many companies are turning to AI and automation to improve productivity and engagement, with 64% investing in such technologies. However, one in five executives admitted their digital workforce strategies are ineffective.
Employees are wary too, with 73% expecting AI to impact their roles but only 36% feeling positive about the changes. Just 39% received any training on working with AI technologies.
Lack of flexibility and poor work-life balance were also cited as frustrations by employees.
“These findings are eye opening,” said Peter Quigley, president and CEO of Kelly.
“They stress the importance of developing long-term workforce strategies that focus on the right mix of permanent and contingent workers, effective skills and career development, meaningful employee engagement, and thoughtful implementation of AI tools that combine the best of human talent and technology.”
