conduct an internal/external scan of your own organization. If you do not currently work in an organization, you may a) use a pastorganization with which you are familiar b) research an organization, or c)interview someone about the hiring processes at their organization. Peer reviewers will evaluate your answer to these components using a rubric, and will also assess the overall quality of your writing. I. Internal Analysis:Identify one internal factor in your organization from the list below and learn more about this topic in your organization. Talk with one to two key company leaders to truly understand the impact of these areas. For instance, is there a concern about baby boomers retiring? Are job candidates demanding greater compensation and is the company able to meet those demands? What challenges do these areas pose? Your goal at this point is not to solve the problem, but to better understand the issues your company is facing, from the lens of managers and those directly affected. Current workforce profile demographics Current/future sales projectionsSuccession plans and the need to grow and retain key positionsTurnoverEmployee EngagementBudgets and wagesCurrent issues with productivity, quality, safetyProduction capabilitiesTechnologySection 2. External FactorsIdentify one external factor in your organization from the list below and learn more about this topic in your organization. Talk with one to two company leaders to truly understand the impact of these areas. For instance, is there a concern about the current unemployment rates? What threat do competitors pose by reducing available talent, or potentially hiring your best people away? What challenges do these areas pose? Your goal is to better understand the external issues your company is facing, from the lens of managers and those directly affected. Labor Market pay rates, unemploymentEconomyCompetitionGlobalizationTechnologyIndustryLegislationCustomer demands (seasonality, preferences)Location of organizationSocietal changes and demographicsSection 3. Workforce Planning SolutionsIdentify one solution for one of the workforce staffing challenges that a leader described in your meetings (or that you found in your research if you weren’t able to talk with anyone). How will this solution benefit the organization? What are the short and long term gains? What are the limitations of this solution. Hold a follow-up meeting with one of the managers you spoke to and discuss the feasbility of your idea.
Disclaimer: Since I cannot work for an organization, this analysis is based on a hypothetical tech startup.
Focus Area: Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is crucial for a startup’s success. Through discussions with key leaders, I aim to understand the current state of employee engagement and identify potential challenges.
Questions for Leaders:
Expected Outcomes:
Focus Area: Labor Market – Pay Rates and Competition
The tech industry faces a competitive talent pool. Understanding the external wage landscape and competitor strategies is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.
Questions for Leaders:
Expected Outcomes:
III. Workforce Planning Solution: Focus on Employee Engagement
Challenge:
Based on discussions with leaders, the startup might be facing challenges with employee engagement due to a fast-paced environment and unclear career paths.
Solution:
Implement a mentorship program that pairs senior employees with junior team members. This can provide:
Feasibility Discussion:
Schedule a follow-up meeting with the HR manager to discuss the proposed mentorship program. Explore the feasibility of implementing the program, including:
Through this internal/external scan, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the organization. By focusing on employee engagement and developing solutions like a mentorship program, the startup can foster a more positive work environment and attract, develop, and retain top talent.