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Avoiding the crunch at crunch time.

Article Excerpt
Library and Information Services (LIS) providers are vulnerable in the current war for talent. They need to work collaboratively to develop accurate workforce data so they can retain and recruit the right people. In South Australia, the issue has a level of urgency above other States as the demographic is skewed to older workers. Organisations need to develop smart workforce strategies to retain and recruit employees. They should be cautious about any quick fix approach. Sustainable workforce development is not achievable by making decisions on anecdotal data. Libraries need to make sure their data on workforce demand and supply is accurate and robust. It is critical that accountability for workforce planning is readily accepted by senior leadership.

Introduction

Australian business operates within a dynamic and complex economic, legislative and industrial environment. Businesses face a raft of challenges arising from globalisation and the shift in Australia's population demographics. Not only do they need to accommodate an increasingly diverse and mobile workforce, they also need to plan for the effects of ageing. It has become critical for businesses to implement rigorous workforce planning processes so they can access accurate workforce intelligence which is essential for demand and supply forecasting.

But these issues are not exclusive to business. Libraries and other information services providers throughout the country also face 'crunch time'--when the number of people exiting the labour market is greater than the number entering it.

Crunch time in the Australian labour market is conservatively considered to be at 2016--or slightly earlier in South Australia due to the older age demographics of the State--but employers are strongly advised to have workforce planning initiatives in place by 2009 as initial impacts will be felt as early as 2010.

But the good news is that many libraries and information providers are...

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