SIX TALENT TRENDS
YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS
qtigroup.com | © 2016
SIX TALENT TRENDS
YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS
In 2016, the employers with the smartest talent strategies will be the winners on the field of
business competition. Those that neglect or mismanage their talent are likely to face costly
errors and suffer bottom-line consequences.
What do you need to do in 2016 to be an employer of choice? The QTI Group’s annual Human
Resources Planning Survey identifies six key trends* that will not only shape 2016 but also help
ensure your workplace stacks up to the fierce competition:
1. THE WAR FOR TALENT IS ON
The top three expected Human
Resources challenges for 2016 are:
1. Attracting the right talent
10%
2. Improving leadership development
According to the 125 organizations
completing QTI’s survey, no more than 10%
of Wisconsin employers expect to impose a
hiring freeze or job cuts in 2016.
3. Retaining key talent
2. CULTURE AND BENEFITS MATTER, BUT MONEY TALKS LOUDER
Survey respondents were asked to rank a list of rewards options by
importance, and the following four were ranked the highest:
1. Base pay
2. Company culture
3. Health insurance
Base pay was ranked the
most important reward.
4. Work-life balance
3. BONUS IS THE NEW BLACK
Are your exempt employees earning base salary only? Time to catch up to the present. Sixty-five percent of QTI’s survey
respondents are currently offering short-term incentives, such as annual cash bonuses, in addition to base pay and benefits.
Forty percent have a formal metric-driven incentive plan, and 45% offer discretionary spot bonuses.
*These results and more are available by reaching out to QTI.
qtigroup.com | © 2016
White Paper: SIX TRENDS TO BECOMING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE
4. TIME TO PHONE A FRIEND
Forty-five percent of QTI’s survey respondents offer new-hire referral
bonuses to employees. Employers rated internal referral programs as the
most effective means for finding quality applicants for both white-collar
and blue-collar jobs. If your workplace doesn’t have an internal employee
referral program, consider implementing one to stay competitive in the
war for talent.
Internal referrals
were most effective.
5. REGULATIONS MAY BITE YOU
Major changes to labor laws and regulations are on the horizon in 2016, including proposed changes to the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA) overtime pay standards (which would make millions more workers eligible for overtime pay) and
continued implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) health care reforms. Yet most
employers are asleep at the switch. Only 10% and 13%, respectively, rated PPACA and FLSA compliance as a significant
expected Human Resources challenge in 2016.
6. HUMAN RESOURCES NEEDS TO KEEP ADAPTING
Human Resources wears many hats. QTI’s survey respondents identified these roles the Human Resources
function fulfills, in order of prevalence:
1. Compliance expert
2. Administrative utility
3. Strategic partner
4. Business liaison
5. Employee champion
6. Tactical executor
7. Change agent
With employees being deemed the most vital asset of many organizations, Human Resources needs to be adaptable to
changing needs and able to expand its capabilities at all times.
How ready is your organization for the challenges of 2016 and beyond? By recognizing that success derives from growing
talent, being adaptable and fostering company culture, your organization can withstand the tests of time.
GROWING TALENT + ADAPTABILITY + COMPANY CULTURE = SUCCESS
qtigroup.com | © 2016
ABOUT THE QTI GROUP
The QTI Group, headquartered in Madison, WI, is a privately owned human resources (HR) organization providing staffing solutions,
professional and executive recruiting, HR consulting, and HR partnership services to businesses and organizations. Our key services
help businesses compete, gain ground, lead, and succeed.
The QTI Group has been an active member of the business community since 1957. With a rich history of growth, innovation,
and community engagement, QTI has nine offices in Wisconsin: Appleton, Baraboo, Beaver Dam, Brookfield, Green Bay, Madison
(East Washington & University Research Park), Platteville, and Portage and serves clients across the United States.