Top 5 Keys for Human Talent Management

Over the past few years, talent management has undergone a dizzying transformation. These changes were accelerated by the pandemic where companies and organizations of all kinds and sizes had to adjust their processes to adapt. Among the most significant are the flexible work styles that, over the months, have become the "new normal."     

Has the era of the permanent desk come to an end? Since 2021, half of the companies in Mexico are incorporating ways of working other than face-to-face. Other variables that have forced HR departments      to become more dynamic are the cross-generational composition and multiculturalism that now characterizes the workforce in different sectors and in all areas of operation. It is even common today for applicants to look for intelligent work models, in line with their needs and the information age.

In addition, everyday companies and recruiters face a constant: the need to offer benefits that go beyond salary to increase the chances of attracting, retaining, and developing the best talent, while having the task of finding in them a high level of specialization, efficiency and differentiation.

According to the consulting firm KPMG, the Mexican pharmaceutical market, for example, is the second-     most important in Latin America, after Brazil, and although there are some challenges to be addressed in the country, the competitive advantages in terms of geographic location and qualified personnel have enabled its growth. In fact, it      generates more than 87,000  direct jobs and 400,000  indirect jobs (Canifarma).

For this reason, and contrary to popular belief, the pharmaceutical industry demands highly specialized personnel,      from scientists-researchers, doctors, chemists and psychologists, to marketers, IT engineers, lawyers, accountants and internationalists, among others, which positions it as an attractive sector in many economic and social activities.

This means that any professional with the necessary training and soft skills (leadership, teamwork, resilience, commitment, emotional intelligence, communication skills, among others ) to work in a changing and complex environment can join innovative  companies such as these.

The study "Top 5 HR Trends and Priorities For 2023,"      by Gartner, indicates that HR leaders and organizations should focus time and resources on people, as doing so promotes innovation and a good work culture. At the same time, it is important to equip human resources with technical skills and competencies to contribute to digital transformation.

Based on the previous information, I would like to share what for me are the five      key points in the management of human talent today:

1. Healthy work environments.           According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these types of spaces go beyond compliance with safety and hygiene regulations because they include psychosocial factors that promote the overall well-being of workers;      for example, the physical environment, campaigns to promote healthy habits, and participation/interaction with the community. In this way, employees feel productive and supported, which reduces absenteeism, illnesses, conflicts, and ultimately more billing for the organization. 

2. Diversity, equity and inclusion as actions that reflect values and genuine commitment of companies. The most inclusive organizations worldwide have adapted their activities and organizational charts to ensure that all people have representation and equal opportunities for work, growth, and access to health, regardless of their gender, age, origin, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, intellectual ability, or any personal preferences.

3. Emotional well-being and mental health are related to employee productivity, commitment, and performance. Maintaining a      balance directly influences the results and the proper functioning of the organization.

4. Attraction and retention of the best talent.      We know that salary is the first factor on the list of priorities when choosing a job, but a good salary is not the only or the most decisive motivation. According to the Randstad México Employer Brand Research 2021 study, 9 out of 10 respondents think that having personal values ​​that match the company's culture is essential to apply for a position or feel satisfied in it, while 50% affirm that they would not work in a company with a bad reputation. Building a strong employer brand, through a strong, transparent, and consistent culture, will have a significant impact on the ability to hire and retain the best talent. Likewise, it is essential to promote the so-called emotional salary, defined as the set of non-financial benefits that make employees feel comfortable and provide them with a balance between life and work. It includes wellness policies, compensation beyond the law, social responsibility actions, constant training, career development and other activities that indicate that their work has a higher purpose. In the case of the pharmaceutical industry, it is to improve people's health and quality of life.

5. Knowing the employee experience as an exercise that allows knowing and understanding employees and, therefore, designing positive experiences for them     , from the onboarding process to the day they leave. As part of this exercise, they can implement      a welcome manual; form effective and articulated work teams; and create open spaces outside the box, among other actions.

Being part of an innovative biopharmaceutical company and having played various roles in other markets, talent development is an exciting task that requires dedication. People are a company's most important asset; therefore, building capable, loyal and committed teams brings enormous benefits: it reduces staff turnover, reduces absenteeism, promotes productivity, improves results and, above all, generates workplaces where employees feel happy.

We must understand that as we become more agile and able to adapt to new talent needs, we will have a greater competitive advantage in all aspects. Which of these points are you applying today in your organization?