Saxon companies have more need than ever for well-trained skilled workers. It is becoming increasingly difficult for employers to secure their economic success and come up with the innovations they need to stay fit for the future.

This is exacerbated by the profound changes to the labour market resulting from increasing global competition, the broader range of lifestyles, and digitisation. In certain sectors, these trends are already turning skilled workers into a desperately sought-after commodity. Increasing numbers of positions for apprenticeships and jobs are unoccupied, situations are staying vacant longer and succession planning is growing harder. These developments are most clearly felt by the trades, small businesses and micro-enterprises.

The shortage of skilled workers, digitisation and new media have radically altered what is expected of HR management and recruitment. Today, they do not just have to open up new channels and show creativity in the search for skilled workers; employees also expect appreciation, flexible working hours, interesting work, CPD and healthy working conditions – put simply, a good work-life balance.

Strategic HR management plays a key role in making a successful company competitive and innovative. Strategic human resources management (SHRM) helps companies prepare for the future and makes them more attractive both to potential applicants and their own staff. 

Good HR management must be geared to employees’ and applicants’ different situations in life and value their diversity. Working conditions which are precisely tailored to employees’ needs are not only of central importance when recruiting (budding) skilled workers; they also help keep the workforce healthy in the long term and encourage loyalty to their employer.