About 36 percent of employers worldwide are struggling to find employees with the skills to fill their open positions, the highest level since 2007, according to the ninth annual Talent Shortage Survey released today by Milwaukee-based workforce solutions firm ManpowerGroup.
The survey included more than 37,000 employers in 42 countries and territories.
Among U.S. employers, 40 percent are having trouble filling positions. Skilled trades jobs were cited as the most difficult to fill for the fifth consecutive year.
More than half of those surveyed said the talent shortages “significantly impact their ability to meet client needs,” and 40 percent say the problem reduces their competitiveness and productivity.
According to respondents, the top 10 toughest jobs to fill in the U.S. are:
1. Skilled trades
2. Restaurant and hotel staff
3. Sales representatives
4. Teachers
5. Drivers
6. Accounting and finance staff
7. Laborers
8. IT staff
9. Engineers
10. Nurses
Nearly 50 percent of employers are using non-traditional methods to deal with the shortages, such as training and development for existing staff or using new recruitment methods.
“Talent shortages continue to persist and are impeding employers’ ability to deliver value for their customers,” said Jonas Prising, chief executive officer of ManpowerGroup. “Due to the lack of applicants with the right technical competencies, experience and soft skills, one out of three employers struggle to fill open roles. For nearly a decade skilled trades and STEM positions are among the top 10 hardest jobs to fill, both globally and in the U.S.”
