Intense digital transformation is changing internal technology landscapes. Whether it’s in service of a digital-first customer base and economy, or to handle ongoing economic fluctuation, the pace of change is relentless.
However, organisations across the board remain poised to go back into a pandemic-esque disaster mode should the need arise. But how do you plan for that? How do you allocate resources and budgets in the face of so much uncertainty whilst trying to hit ambitious growth plans?
What are some of the factors affecting business resourcing?
Many factors can have sudden or long-term effects on business planning and resourcing strategies. Market changes, adoption of new technologies and sudden demographic shifts can all lead to problems in resourcing that could require staffing advice, interim or project-based consulting as well as assistance with BAU functions to ensure smooth operations through short-term crises.
Technological factors
Many businesses are seeing the effects of technological change on their resourcing strategies.
An increase in the use of automation and AI applications is reducing demand for roles in certain functions. A study from McKinsey found that around 60% of occupations have up to 30% of their activities that could be automated.
However, increased use of automation as well as other technological changes, like the rise in cloud transformations, may increase demand in other areas such as cyber security, software engineering and cloud engineering roles.
Digital transformation allows companies to keep up with the changes that are impacting the way business is done and transactions are made. However, it can be a complicated process ensuring your outcomes are aligned with your goals whilst remaining flexible along the way.
Leaders may choose to upskill internally or hire new permanent team members to tackle the challenges outlined above. However, if a project requires speed and efficiency then interim staffing or engaging a consultancy may be a more effective solution.
Market factors
We have all seen how external market factors can have a major impact on global economies, both in the short and long term.
Political shifts, economic slowdown and recession, as well as natural disasters or accidents, can all impact global supply chains and product demand – causing businesses to recalibrate staffing levels.
Recently, for example, we have seen the travel industry struggle to bring staffing levels back up to pre-pandemic levels after a long period of low demand which has left them understaffed.
Additionally, changing legislation and regulations might cause a need for short or long-term increased resourcing in finance, audit, and compliance functions.
Skills gaps
Both changes to workforce demographics and the adoption of new technology are likely to lead to significant skills gaps for businesses, with regards to digital skills in particular. Alongside technical skills gaps, non-IT employees must also be able to adapt to and work alongside rapidly evolving systems.
Technology consultants can be an excellent way to plug knowledge gaps in the short term and they can also be used as a resource to help train permanent staff.
Demographic changes
Demographic factors are more pronounced in certain sectors as large numbers of older staff – who may have been due to retire in the next five to ten years – chose to leave the workforce early. Recent UK studies found that 87,000 more over 50s had chosen to leave work in 2021 compared to 2019 (the largest increase since records began in 1971) and 77% of retirees aged 50-59 said they chose to retire early.
This exodus threatens to leave businesses with a gap at senior management level and a loss of experience of company processes and industry trends; as well as a lack of individuals available to train and mentor junior staff. Companies can prepare by establishing robust mentorship, internal knowledge sharing and training programs.
4 steps you can take to build a robust resourcing strategy
So, how can you anticipate some of the problems and changes that could affect your resourcing strategy?
Conduct market analysis to anticipate change
Many factors affecting your resource planning are industry specific. A strong market analysis can help you identify potential changes coming down the line, what your customers want from businesses like yours and how your competitors are beginning to react to those changes.
Lay out your short, medium, and long-term business goals
Where do you see your business going in the next two, five or ten years? What milestones does your business need to achieve in those timeframes and what resources do you need to do so? Laying out your goals in this way can help you with resource planning but it can also help get senior stakeholder buy-in for any resource strategy further down the line.
Conduct a skills gap analysis of your current workforce
Examine your current workforce, their experience levels, and their current skills. You can then compare these to your business goals and identify any current and future skills gaps which may need addressing.
Weigh your plans against your budget
Not every business has the budget to address every aspect of their potential recruiting strategy problems. Businesses should consider interim or contingency staffing or even consider building a partnership with a known recruiter in your industry or reaching out to a consultancy such as Fruition Consulting.
How can a consultancy help with your resourcing strategy?
We’re closely aligned with our sister company, Fruition IT, one of the leading technology recruiters who can quickly source technology talent based on business or tech stack-specific requirements
- We can support resourcing with a wide range of outcomes-based solutions to accommodate any digital transformation or business as usual project.
- We have industry-specific insight and can help you create a bespoke strategy based on both the internal and external factors affecting your business
Are you ready to create the right resourcing strategy? Get in touch today
Fruition Consulting provides the digital expertise you need to help your business thrive. With an extensive associate network of 200+ specialists, we put some of the best technology talent in the country at your disposal. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of technology and get set for future growth. We will support and guide you on that journey, find solutions to whatever challenges you face and make the complex straightforward.
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