In the first part of my blog I pointed out that availability of talent is a top CEO concern. Let’s now discuss how technology-based strategies can be used to close the talent gap.
The long-term success of chemical companies depends on finding effective ways to attract, retain and grow a skilled workforce. One way to do this is to implement the latest technology solutions, allowing employees to work in an environment that is familiar and comfortable. For example, 
Gen X and Gen Y workers have grown up in a world of instant communications, 3D graphics and open system architectures that provide access to information how and when they want. By offering a work environment featuring the latest technology systems, companies can give themselves an important edge over competitors trying to recruit the same talent.
Effectively collecting, storing and using data is another strategy for maintaining a strong workforce. To begin with, having an integrated, high-speed technology platform allows companies to process information quickly in order to match skill sets to needs. From there, putting data in the hands of employees, at the time they need it, empowers them to make informed, real-time decisions and leads to high levels of improved job satisfaction.
A third opportunity to retain and grow talent is by creating a work environment focused on collaboration and information sharing. Giving employees access to one integrated technology system ensures everyone is working from a trust single source of information. When content is changed in one location, such as the layout design of a new plant facility, it is updated throughout all other departments. Integrated processes also have significant implications for ongoing employee training and growth. When systems are integrated, maintaining updated training and compliance materials is less of a challenge. A final benefit of a connected, collaboration environment is that it allows companies to capture and store the knowledge of long-term employees so that it can be accessed at a later date by the next generation.
The above mentioned strategies are just a few of the solutions chemical companies can use to help address the growing labor shortage. Whether it is due to competition, demographics or job skills, the demand for high-skill labor is growing faster than supply. Chemical companies must find a way to hire and retain workers if they are to take full advantage of positive market conditions and reach their maximum growth potential. It is not an easy problem and there are no easy answers, which is why it’s no wonder chemical executives are not sleeping easy at night.
Please share with us your opinion on the Future of Work in the Chemical Industry.