Talent shortage a concern for 34% employers in India

New Delhi: Employers around the world are concerned about finding and retaining skilled talent with 34 percent of employers in India saying talent shortage is a concern, while for China the figure stood at 47 percent.

According to PNB MetLife Employee Benefit Trends Study 2016, at least one-third of employers in six countries surveyed across developed and developing markets feared being impacted by a talent shortage.

While 34 percent of Indian employers believe that talent shortages are a cause of concern, 40 percent employers each in Poland, the UK and the UAE also hold the same view. In China, 47 percent employers think likewise, while as high as 56 per cent of Russian employers believe so.

"In some countries, part of this fear stemmed from unemployment rates being near all-time lows, like in Russia and Poland," the report said.

Historically, companies have long focused on salaries and lure of bonuses to attract and retain employees, but instead of just salary, a total rewards packages are an important factor to attract and retain employees, says the report.

Around 88 percent of all Indian employers surveyed said they provided benefit offerings to attract employees away from competitors. A larger percentage of MNCs said they offer benefits such as health, life and accidental insurance and financial planning.

"As demand for employee benefits grows, we'll see more and more local companies implementing total rewards packages to win the talent war over the coming years," the report said.

Increasingly, voluntary and wellness benefits, as well as retirement and financial planning options, are becoming more sought after and "must-have" parts of total rewards package.

"At a time where finding and attracting skilled talent is increasingly difficult, offering higher salaries and bonuses may not be the answer. Those who take a total rewards approach by providing a wide range of voluntary benefit options and financial planning and wellness programs will create an environment that demonstrates care and makes a positive impact," the report said.

It further added that employees will be better off financially and physically and have a stronger relationship with their employers, resulting in greater retention, loyalty and increased productivity.