COVER STORY
Spring 2017 / Issue 53
COVER STORY
The Gap Between Labor Supply & Demand
Organizations that practice Strategic Workforce Planning know exactly where their human resources needs lie . They precisely define the level of knowledge , skills and capabilities employees needs to have on all positions and levels and run programs to develop what they need . For more than a decade now , such companies have observed a worrying trend whereby the local labor market has progressively offered fewer and fewer qualified job candidates in terms of theoretical and practical knowledge , skills , capabilities , as well as values and behavior . This tendency is even more pronounced when seeking employees who are committed , innovation-oriented and have a real desire to learn and give one ’ s best . Thus , an increasing number of companies are struggling to find the people their businesses need in a timely manner , both here in Macedonia and throughout the region .
This shortcoming is most pronounced when seeking people to fill jobs that require secondary education ( as opposed to university degree holders ). Companies face big challenges finding people who possess the knowledge and skills normally expected from graduates of secondary education . This is due , in large part , to the damage brain drain has done to our labor supply . Companies often face two undesirable options , both of which reduce their competitiveness : leave positions unfilled or settle for lower quality candidates .
Macedonia ’ s history of high unemployment has meant many job seekers simply lack
Aleksandra Argir , Country Human Resources Manager , Pivara Skopje AD the work experience that would have allowed them to apply their theoretical knowledge and upgrade their skills . Another problem is that educational programs are not sufficiently aligned with business needs , especially to those companies working according international standards and requiring specific qualifications . Pivara Skopje manages to meet its recruiting needs , but often struggles to find candidates who fully correspond to its requirements in terms of experience , skills , knowledge and qualifications .
Thus , today ’ s labor market reality is cause for urgent and significant action from all stakeholders . Together with State institutions and the non-profit sector , businesses must help to provide solutions that will increase the supply of skills in demand on this market and reduce brain drain .
Pivara Skopje ’ s investments in employee development increase each year because doing so is in alignment with our strategy ; we are also investing in developing future leaders generally . Being part of two international companies , we maintain high people development standards and follow through on employees ’ development and performance . As a socially responsible company we regularly share this experience and knowledge with the broader community .
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