Employers Prioritize Well-Being, Mental Health Over Reskilling

A recent survey conducted by OCC, reveals diverging priorities between employers and employees in Mexico, with the latter prioritizing well-being over skills development. This information holds significant implications for companies’ talent retention strategies for 2024.

The survey, Human Resources Trends 2024, involved 6,085 candidates and 312 recruiters across Mexico. Its primary objective was to understand the evolving needs and expectations of employers and employees, during which talent retention and attraction emerged as primary challenges for HR departments. These findings reflect the competitive nature of Mexico’s labor market. 

Meanwhile, regarding employees, the survey revealed varied workplace priorities for different generations. While employees aged 41 to 50 emphasized holistic well-being, younger employees aged 20 to 30 placed greater importance on mental health support. Meanwhile, only a minority of respondents recognized the necessity of reskilling initiatives, despite projections indicating a significant need for workforce reskilling by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum.

Survey results also revealed that one of employees' primary demands is salary improvement. According to the "Salary Study 2023 - 2024" published by PageGroup, a majority of Mexicans expressed dissatisfaction with their current salaries, emphasizing the significance of salary considerations in their career decision-making processes, as reported by MBN.

To address these outstanding employee needs, companies must take actions that align with employees' expectations. However, company priorities vary depending on their size. For instance, larger companies prioritize compliance with NOM 035 regarding psychosocial risks and psychological support sessions. Conversely, micro and small businesses place greater importance on offering work flexibility, according to the survey. It also unveiled a trend towards prioritizing productivity and goal achievement, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises, signaling a heightened focus on performance metrics in HR strategies.

HR professionals and employees alike prioritize soft skills such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, conflict resolution, and effective communication for competitiveness, career growth, and employment. “A diverse skill set, encompassing both technical and soft skills, transforms a team into a powerhouse of adaptability, ensuring it can navigate the intricacies of today's fast-paced professional landscape,” wrote María Fernanda González, Founder and CEO, Kostik for MBN.

Regarding digital trends, employees seek to enhance their skills, as companies strive to automate general HR processes, including attraction and recruitment processes. Candidates believe that AI could support training programs, while recruiters consider that AI primarily aids in candidate selection. However, according to the survey, the implementation of AI is costly, and there remains a shortage of personnel with the necessary expertise to carry it out.