By Przemek Olszewski, ACCA Poland,
The world of work is constantly evolving, shaped by technology, economics, and employee expectations. Staying informed about talent trends is crucial for organisations and professionals. The latest ACCA Global Talent Trends report offers a comprehensive overview of these dynamics. This article examines the report’s key findings, focusing on global trends and nuances within Europe and Poland, helping businesses attract, retain, and develop talent, and enabling professionals to make informed career decisions.
One of the key challenges for HR departments is managing the potential risks associated with a workforce that spends more and more time working from home. These risks range from slowing the development of younger employees to impacting mental health.
This article will explore those challenges and more, based on key findings from the ACCA Global Talent Trends in which 9,889 professional accountants from 157 countries around the world were asked about the concerns they held around work in the future, as well as aspirations for their careers.
Global talent trends: key findings
One significant global trend highlighted in ACCA Global Talent Trends is the hybrid work reality check. While many prefer hybrid or remote work, 52% are fully office-based, driven by employer mandates (76%) and social connection (13%). Generational differences exist, with Gen Z valuing in-office experiences (58% fully office-based vs. 36% for baby-boomers). This highlights the need for balanced hybrid policies. The report also highlights some concerns on technology: 47% of respondents agree that team collaboration is harder when working remotely.
Digging deeper into the reasons for being in the office, the report highlights differences across sectors. For example, a larger proportion of those at Big Four firms said that their employer requires them to be in the office full-time, compared to other sectors.
Increased remote work poses risks. Younger employees may miss experiential learning, new hires struggle to understand company culture, networking opportunities decrease, coordinating in-office days is challenging, and mental health concerns arise.
Another trend is the cost-of-living crunch. Only 37% are satisfied with pay, with inflation being a major fear. Competitive compensation and transparent communication are essential. The survey showed that 35% of respondents at the Big Four accounting firms were satisfied with their level of pay.
Technology overload and the AI paradox are also key. 37% feel overwhelmed by technological change. While AI offers potential, concerns about job displacement exist. Organisations need to invest in training.
Mental health is under pressure, with 57% feeling it suffers due to work. Organisations must prioritise mental health support. The biggest concern across different sectors is inflation impacting real wage or salary.
A global skills gap exists, necessitating continuous learning. Organisations should invest in training programmes.
European talent trends: a closer look
In Europe, as outlined in the ACCA Global Talent Trends report, hybrid work is preferred, but adoption varies by country. Key concerns include economic stability, job security, work-life balance, and mental well-being. Technology training is crucial for European professionals.
Polish Talent Trends: Specific Insights
Poland leans heavily towards hybrid working it is mix of office and home-based. The ACCA Global Talent Trends report indicates that only 12% of Polish finance professionals are fully office-based, significantly lower than the global average of 52%. This preference for hybrid work may be influenced by cultural norms or the specific demands of the finance industry in Poland. Additionally, due to talent scarcity, many employers offer the possibility of remote work to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Concerns among Polish professionals mirror broader European anxieties, including inflation impacting real wage or salary. Like their European counterparts, Polish finance professionals likely face a tension between recognising AI’s potential and feeling overwhelmed by the pace of technological change; 42% agreed while 46% disagreed.
The trends highlight several other key issues for Polish workers. Some of the biggest concerns are inflation impacting real wage / salary, wellbeing / mental health, workload/ insufficient resources to carry out my role,
In light of these challenges, targeted training initiatives and mental health support are crucial to address these concerns and equip Polish finance professionals for the future.
The ACCA Global Talent Trends Report highlights challenges and opportunities. Addressing hybrid work, cost of living, technology, mental health, and skills gaps is vital. Flexibility, well-being, and continuous learning are key to navigating the future of work. Insights from the ACCA Global Talent Trends underscore the importance of proactive HR strategies to mitigate the risks associated with remote work and create a supportive and engaging environment for all employees.
