Lack Of Skilled Labor For Companies Reaches 81% In Brazil, According To ManpowerGroup Research

Research Ranks Brazil Ninth In List Of Countries Where Skilled Labor Is Scarce

According to research conducted by the human resources consulting firm ManpowerGroup, Brazil is the ninth country where skilled labor is most lacking for companies in a ranking composed of 40 countries and territories. Here, 81% of employers reported difficulties in finding workers with the necessary qualifications. Last year, the Brazilian index was 71%.

In total, the consultancy interviewed 40,000 employers in 40 different countries, with 3 in every 4 business leaders mentioning obstacles to finding talent. The global average is 75%.

The percentage representing the lack of skilled labor in Brazil has gone through various fluctuations over the past ten years. Between 2012 and 2018, the index saw a significant reduction, going from 71% to 34%. However, since 2019, the rate has been observing increases, now reaching its highest value.

Globally, the percentage of labor scarcity increased by six points compared to last year, thus reaching its highest level in 16 years. The average of 75% is double the figure obtained in 2015.

Wilma Dal Col Highlights Pandemic’s Influence On Research Results

The director of strategic people management at ManpowerGroup, Wilma Dal Col, stated in an interview with CNN Radio that the pandemic contributed to the intensification of the problem, although it did not cause it. According to her, each year, companies find it increasingly difficult to fill positions, whether they are the simplest or those that require more preparation and training.

Dal Col explains that these difficulties are linked to the advancement and development of technology, which has been bringing increasingly agile solutions and demanding the best of human competence. In this sense, skilled labor does not only consist of training and executing tasks but also includes behaviors and human skills capable of making a difference.

The so-called soft skills, for example, require individuals to improve their relationship and integrated work abilities.

Wilma further stated that, given the presented scenario, companies can choose between two alternatives: one for the short term and another for a sustainable approach. The first would be to question how the company is attracting and retaining talent, whether it is using the best selection practices and offering what workers desire. The second would be to work on preparing professionals to make the company a pool of talent, not individuals who are immediately ready.

On the other hand, the director also emphasizes that professionals are also responsible for change, as individual choices are part of it and the value proposition for their careers is in their hands.

More Data Presented By The Research Regarding The Lack Of Skilled Labor Among Global Workers

The research shows that the sectors where labor is most scarce are as follows: Banking and Finance; IT and Technology; Industry; Education, Health, and Government; Wholesale and Retail; Construction and Hospitality and Restaurants.

According to the research conducted, the areas with the highest demand for skilled labor are: Information Technology & Data; Customer Service & Front Office; Logistics & Operations; Marketing & Sales; and Administration & Office Support.

Finally, the interviewees for the research also mentioned the skills that are most difficult to find among job candidates, which are: Reasoning and Problem Solving; Resilience and Adaptability; Initiative; Reliability and Self-discipline; and Collaborative Spirit and Teamwork.