How to Navigate the Human Age

For the first time in its history, ManpowerGroup is now publishing its most recent analysis of the Future Forces evolving the Human Age – and aligning these forces with the right people strategies.

ManpowerGroup’s role as a navigator and innovative workforce solutions provider in the fast-changing world of work was affirmed in 2011 at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland when ManpowerGroup CEO Jeff Joerres identified that the world had entered the Human Age.

What enabled ManpowerGroup to thoroughly document indicators of the Human Age? Years spent tracking macro-economic forces, which culminated in ManpowerGroup’s identification of critical and current world of work trends: Rapid technological development; shifting demographics that have accelerated a talent mismatch; and rises in customer sophistication and individual choice. The new capitalism, talentism has put unprecedented value on talent as the driver of business success.

In the Human Age, companies will have to navigate continued growth of emerging markets, globalization, competition for employees – who will be pickier about potential employers – and the usage of increasingly sophisticated technologies. Firms will face shortages of crucial skills, called a mismatch, because of the large number of people unable to find work. Higher unemployment rates than in previous eras are likely to be a fixture of the Human Age.

In addition, these organizations need to address heightened access to information and rising expectations for companies to be more socially responsible. Combined, these factors necessitate proactive, innovative and flexible workforce management strategies.

The world is a much different place than it was one year ago, as extensive change unfolded quickly at the dawn of the Human Age. This more fact-dense, connected universe has sent events in motion that previously would have taken years to unfold. Themes that evolved most clearly in 2011 will have a major impact on workforce management in months ahead – and beyond.

The next few posts will help you to understand how to address challenges stemming from these latest developments. Employers that successfully respond to these tests will ensure their future and competitive advantage.