Blakskill, a leading HR technology company recently hosted the ‘2024 Outlook on the Global Talent Market’, featuring a lineup of distinguished speakers and insightful discussions on the transformative trends shaping the ‘now’ and the future of work.
The event convened thought leaders across various industries and HR professionals to discuss the evolving dynamics in the talent market and their implications on Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
The hybrid event, which held on February 1 at Eko Convention Centre, brought together industry leaders, CEOs, and HR professionals to delve into the emerging challenges and opportunities in talent identification, acquisition, and mobility across various sectors.
Mr. Olugbenga Omojola, MD/ CEO of Blakskill, highlighted the profound impact of global trends such as increasing connectivity, internet penetration, and rising unemployment rates on the world of work. He emphasised the need for organisations to prioritse value addition, skills-based hiring, and embrace AI-driven talent management practices.
Mr. Olusegun Mojeed FCIPM, President and Chairman of the Governing Council, CIPM, shared valuable insights into the evolving dynamics in the global talent market during his keynote speech. He emphasised the strategic importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness (DEIB) in shaping HR practices. Mr. Mojeed stressed that embracing diversity not only aligns with ethical principles but also provides a strategic advantage for organisations. Despite the challenges posed by global labor migration, professionals must be intentional in ensuring diverse representations across generations and demographics in organizational leadership roles.
Dr. Vanessa Phala, Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, outlined the ILO’s initiatives to enhance vocational training, apprenticeships, and youth employment policies. She harped the importance of creating conducive work environments and addressing health and safety concerns to drive inclusive growth.
According to Dr. Phala, Nigerian youth demonstrate remarkable entrepreneurial and innovative engagement, ranking among the highest globally, as indicated by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). She also highlighted several challenges facing young people in Nigeria’s talent market, citing the 2022 edition of the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth report.
A panel of HR professionals such as Olamide Malik (Group Head Human Resources Transcorp), Taiwo Abatan (Regional Head HR_ Sub-Saharan Africa VFS Global), Justine Chinoperekweyi (CEO/President OLDN), Oluseyi Fasanya (Human Resources Director – Express and Aviation Divisions at DHL Nigeria), Rebecca Oloo (HR Specialist at AUDA-NEPAD) and Kehinde Akintobi (Senior Talent Manager Acquisition and Identification Manager Coca-Cola HBC)shared insights on applying best practices in talent management within organizations. Strategies such as creating attractive employer brands, adopting freelancing contracts, and prioritising continuous learning were discussed as key drivers of talent retention and development.
Sandra Vermuijten-Alonge, Head of Programme at GIZ Nigeria, spoke on the significance of talent mobility in fostering regional labor migration and economic development. The second panel which had business leaders, an array of thought leaders from various industries such as Hubertus Rick (CEO Shoprite Nigeria), Wale Hassan (CEO Budpay), Daniel Ikuenobe (Regional Director, Southern Africa – Tony Blair Institute for Global Change), and David Adeoye Abodunrin (TSA Senior Project Manager), highlighted the role of technology in facilitating internal mobility and job rotation initiatives to enhance workforce agility.
Yemi Faseun, an HR thought leader, highlighted the importance of ‘Glocal variables’ which employers must adopt, such as technology, enhanced employee quality of life, diversity and inclusion, and AI integration in Talent Management. He also the need for more voices to advocate for nursing mothers reintegration into the workforce as they partake in continuous learning.
The event concluded with a consensus on the need for organisationsto adapt to the evolving talent landscape by embracing innovation, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and investing in continuous learning and development. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of the global talent marketplace, collaboration, and strategic partnerships will be essential in driving sustainable growth and prosperity.
Blakskill will be publishing a report on the insights shared at the event by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
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