In an evolving market where organizations across the food-agriculture value chain are identifying new opportunities and navigating new challenges every day, cautious optimism is the tale of 2024. Not only is the market finding more equilibrium between supply and demand of candidates and employers, but we’re seeing the same key trends that global human resource consulting firm Mercer identified in their 2024 Global Talent Trends Report in our practice. These trends highlight the shift within organizations to become more agile and sustainable in their talent strategies.
Adapted from Mercer 2024 Global Talent Trends Report
In our most recent survey, more than half of the respondents noted they intend to grow their team in 2024, further emphasizing the need for trusted talent advisors to guide them through the process and provide the greatest visibility to executive leaders in the market. Two core themes have emerged early in 2024:
Tomorrow’s industry leaders must possess a diverse set of skills to excel in a rapidly evolving business environment. What differentiates the leaders of the future will be competency in systems thinking, digital acumen, and emotional intelligence, enabling them to drive innovation, promote sustainability, and inspire change effectively.
In today’s competitive environment, the shortage of talent in the food and agriculture sectors is a critical challenge, with only 68 employees available for every 100 open roles in the United States. To address this issue and prepare for the future, organizations must adopt innovative recruitment strategies:
Outside Industry Recruitment: Seeking leaders from diverse backgrounds with transferrable skills can bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to the industry, fostering a culture of inclusion and guarding against stagnation in a rapidly evolving market. By evaluating potential leaders based on their skill set rather than their previous role titles, organizations can identify top talent capable of addressing key challenges that are preventing growth and innovation.
Talent Development: Once recruited, future leaders require ongoing support and development to thrive in their roles. Leadership development initiatives, such as formal training sessions, mentorship opportunities, and executive coaching, play a crucial role in growing talent and maximizing potential. Investing in leadership development not only yields significant returns for organizations but also fosters innovation, drives business success, and builds sustainable competitive advantages in the dynamic landscape of food and agriculture.
As the demands facing future leadership grow increasingly complex, it becomes even more essential to partner with trusted talent advisors who can leverage deep industry knowledge with extensive networks in tailored recruitment and development strategies that fit the organization’s needs.
