Here's a common lament I used to hear frequently from readers: "Everyone talks about the talent crisis in the material handling and logistics field, but nobody does anything about it." Thankfully, that lament has quieted down a bit lately, which I'd like to think is at least partly due to our regular coverage of efforts underway to actually do something about easing the talent shortage. But it's still a major issue and will continue to be so for years to come.
According to Devon Birch, director of membership with industry trade organization MHI, more than 11 million people work in the supply chain in the United States, but by 2018 there will be 1.4 million new jobs to be filled. The industry is at a crossroads right now, finding itself in a classic "good news/bad news" scenario: The good news is that the need for more workers is being driven by companies needing to make and move more products. The bad news is that as the economy improves and new opportunities emerge, it becomes even harder to convince people to join your company. When you get right down to it, employees act exactly like your customers, and they inevitably ask the same question: "Why should I buy what you're selling?"
In a recent survey of supply chain professionals conducted by benchmarking and best practices organization American Productivity and Quality Center, nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents said that attracting talent is a top priority at their company. More to the point, though, the APQC study drilled down deeper to find out what type of talent is most eagerly sought at these companies.
Supply chain professionals, according to the APQC study, are looking for managers who are strategic thinkers, ethical and team players. What's more, those who are already working in the supply chain say they accepted their positions because they wanted to work on challenging and a wide variety of projects. In short, they wanted to make a difference in their companies.
Tom Derry, CEO of the Institute for Supply Management, knows a little something about this topic as well. ISM, in partnership with Thomasnet, spearheads an annual program that identifies 30 supply chain leaders under the age of 30, with the goal of recognizing the accomplishments of the Millennial generation as well as providing role models to other young people who may still be weighing their career options. It's believed that Millennials will make up 75% of all employees worldwide by 2025.
In announcing this year's group of young supply chain leaders, Derry notes that they "are ahead of the curve in recognizing supply chain as a natural fit for their expertise and values. Applying their leadership skills, technical know-how and passion for making a difference, they are helping revitalize the industry in tangible, far-reaching ways." (You can find profiles of all these young leaders in the slideshow "30 Supply Chain Leaders Under 30." )
It's not just young people who will be making a difference, either. According to MHI's Birch, the industry has to get better at attracting more women, minorities and underserved populations, and in a recent MHI Solutions article titled, "11 Ways to Diversify the Supply Chain," she outlines some basic steps for companies to follow as they seek to fill some of those 1.4 million job openings:
- Know why you want diversity.
- Determine how to measure progress.
- Recognize, understand and overcome unconscious biases and company policies that hinder diversity hiring.
- Be flexible, both with your people and with your hiring program.
- Determine how flexible you'll be.
- Learn from others' programs.
- Be visible to attract diverse talent.
- Invest in your employees through training.
- If necessary, find a good partner.
- Encourage employees to build a support network outside your company.
- Keep at it, and reap the rewards.
In my "other" job as a husband and father, I spend a good bit of time with young people, and a popular "call to action" song at many youth gatherings includes the simple but profound lyrics: "Go make a difference. We can make a difference. Go make a difference in the world." That's what motivates the Millennial generation. Are you ready to make a difference yourself?
