CEO reflections on 2023

In our report "Simployer Pulse 23", we have considered the most important trends within HR and leadership. We see that management, the battle for talent, well-being at work and engagement are important topics going forward. There is little doubt that we are embarking on a year that will be demanding for all of us, and I believe that the leadership role and the HR function will be central to successfully handling this uncertainty in the best possible way. 

The war for talent 

The war for talent continues to be a crucial challenge for employers this year, just as it was last year. However, it's not only about recruiting talent, but also retaining, developing, and engaging your employees. Employers who invest in their workforce witness positive outcomes reflected in their bottom line. Satisfied and engaged employees create and deliver better products and services, leading to increased customer value and competitiveness, resulting in improved financial outcomes and reduced turnover. 

In fact, we haven't seen such a high turnover and a more significant battle for talent since the 2008 financial crisis. As a manager and employer, if you want to keep the wheels turning, investing in your most valuable resource - your people, is essential. 

Creating a conducive working environment with committed and motivated employees isn't a quick fix; it requires a structured approach that involves listening to your employees and empowering them with responsibility and influence. Over time, effective communication and involvement can help build the desired workplace culture. 

Management 

Managers today deal with major changes in working life and must be able to lead their teams in a world of constant change. After two years in a state of emergency, managers have had to find new ways to lead and reach their employees. Self-management must be facilitated to an even greater extent, supported by regular feedback and clear communication. 

Moreover, today's workforce consists of four generations working together simultaneously, which means that managers must handle various requirements and expectations. Employees today demand better management practices, making it essential for companies to invest in management development to attract and retain top talent. 

To equip managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead their teams effectively, it's critical to provide them with regular competence development and support through courses and micro-learning. Management must be an integral part of the company's day-to-day operations and a top priority on the business agenda. 

Ultimately, effective leadership is about unlocking employees' full potential, resulting in mutual benefits for the individual and the business. By prioritizing management development and empowering managers to lead effectively, companies can thrive in today's ever-changing work environment. 

Uncertainty leads to stress 

A troubled world with a lot of uncertainty has also meant that stress and concern for mental health affect working life. Recent figures from Simployer Puls 23 (can be downloaded in Norwegian) show that work-related stress has made 63 per cent worried about their mental health. These are figures that we as employers must take very seriously, and the most important thing you can do is to be close to your employees, follow up and see each employee. Work-related stress can be complex and closely related to obligations in work, leisure, and family, which can be difficult to combine. As a manager, it is important to have a good dialogue with your employees to be able to facilitate and together find solutions that reduce the experience of stress. 

Take the pulse of the organisation 

When people feel valued, included, motivated, and empowered to lead, it triggers a significant commitment that positively impacts both colleagues and customers. Investing in this commitment is profitable for the business. However, achieving this level of commitment requires a targeted and conscious effort. It's not something you can rely on your gut feeling for. To make informed decisions, you need insight, which you can gain by regularly taking the pulse of the business. Pulse surveys are an excellent way to do this because they allow the team to review the results together and identify measures that can move the business in the right direction. As a manager, having this knowledge helps you adjust and synchronize precisely with the team and prevent unwanted surprises. Therefore, it's important to be actively involved in the organization and prioritize commitment and motivation. 

Simployer contributes to reaching the employees' full potential 

In our customer promise, we emphasize that we are here for you who want to inspire, lead, engage and develop your employees. We are aware that unrest and uncertainty will characterize the working year 2023. Simployer wants to be a safe partner for our customers throughout this period. Therefore, we will continue to invest, improve, and create new products and services so that you have both the system support and the expertise needed to further develop both the business and your most important resource: the people. 

Regards,
Vigleik Takle,
CEO of Simployer