Cynthia Cottrell
Pacific Leader for Workforce Solutions
Unlock the power and potential of your workforce
Talent marketplaces seamlessly connect talent to work, utilising AI-driven skills insights, personalised and dynamic development planning, and bi-lateral talent deployment which democratises opportunity and delivers workforce agility.
The strategic utilisation of talent
Driven by the need for more agile business models that can respond to rapidly changing opportunities and threats, leaders are increasingly looking for ways to connect talent to work more seamlessly. In today’s world, this work can take the form of gigs, projects, assignments or full-time jobs. Whatever form work takes, skills are the key currency in the workplace.
Talent marketplaces match talent to work quickly and at scale. Spurred on by current digital and societal disruptions, such marketplaces are hot items on the human resource (HR) agenda. The most effective talent marketplaces are supported by platforms that generate workforce insights, recognise worker potential, and recommend personalised learning pathways that lead to future opportunity. A consumer-grade digital talent marketplace experience has proven valuable, as it encourages adoption and engagement.
AI is central to any modern HR talent strategy. According to Mercer’s research, 8 in 10 companies plan to use AI to evaluate the changing demand and value of skills, and 8 in 10 companies plan to use AI-powered platforms to improve internal talent management.
One in five employees say they are not sure which skills would help them progress in their careers.
Unlock skills and build future capacity
Many companies have benefited from using a talent marketplace in recent years, but not all have harnessed the full power they have to offer. To maximise this value, Mercer recommends the following best practice:
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Prioritise objectives and have a planTalent marketplaces can deliver many benefits, so be sure to clarify the objectives you want to achieve and when. Not all benefits will be realised immediately, so it is essential to have short-, medium- and long-term plans. This will help you maintain focus and ensure alignment with other talent initiatives and programmes.
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Lean into the AIAllow the AI to do the heavy lifting — this will reduce maintenance and speed assessment activities for workers, leaders and HR. Fully explore how AI can deliver improved experiences for candidates, workers, and leaders. Understand how the technology platform will complement existing and emerging tools in your HR technology ecosystem.
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Over index on change and communicationA vibrant talent marketplace typically requires a mindset shift among workers and leaders. This requires a good communication strategy that extends well beyond technology training. Successful efforts normally include a robust change and engagement plan — one that supports the individual’s experience within the talent marketplace.
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Value progress over perfectionSet realistic targets and build on early wins. Companies that take an iterative approach can learn from their experiences and are better positioned to expand over time — increasing coverage and strengthening integration points to existing processes and systems.
Why work with Mercer to build a skills-based organisation
HR Transformation
Work Design
Respond proactively to rapid digitalisation and redesign jobs for an optimised and sustainable combination of human and automated work.
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