Unlocking Global Growth: Overcoming Hiring Challenges in the Digital Age

The competition for talent has never been fiercer, and global enterprises are feeling the strain. According to new research from Expereo, a leading provider of managed network solutions, one third of global enterprises are resorting to hiring employees they've never met in person due to a shortage of high-value knowledge workers. These enterprises are struggling to find the right mix of business and technology skills to drive their global expansion plans forward.

The study, which surveyed over 650 Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in global enterprises across Europe, the US, and APAC, identified skills and resource retention as one of the top three barriers to achieving global growth. Alongside challenging security environments and complicated infrastructures, finding the right talent ranked high on the list of challenges faced by CIOs.

More specifically, CIOs cited the difficulty of recruiting for the right competencies in governance and regulatory compliance. Additionally, expertise in growth technologies such as cybersecurity, AI/ML, and data analytics proved to be the most challenging skills to recruit for.

However, there is a glimmer of hope amidst the talent shortage. The research found that 43% of global CIOs have been able to hire from a wider geographical pool of talent by implementing a hybrid/remote work policy. This flexibility has allowed them to tap into a global pool of skilled employees, even if they haven't met them in person.

The shift to hybrid working has become a new norm for businesses, with 72% of companies embracing a three-day office week or less. This trend is largely driven by the desire to retain and recruit skilled employees, as well as cost of living pressures. However, it's worth noting that a third of global CIOs still expect to increase the number of days employees are required to work from the office due to concerns about productivity and home connectivity issues.

While the benefits of accessing a broader talent pool are undeniable, CIOs are faced with connectivity and support challenges. Ensuring application performance across multiple locations and providing 24/7 support across different time zones are putting pressure on IT teams.

Ben Elms, Chief Revenue Officer at Expereo, emphasizes the importance of technology in enabling connectivity and collaboration in a remote world. He states, "The key is having the technology in place that enables connectivity and collaboration in a remote world. In the end, hybrid working is all about staying connected and enabling interaction with colleagues and customers - wherever you are in the world."

The findings of this research shed light on the evolving needs of global enterprises in supporting their workforce. As organizations strive for global expansion, overcoming the complexities and challenges of a remote workforce becomes vital. The ability to adapt and meet diverse connectivity needs is crucial for success.

Expereo, with its global network solutions, has positioned itself as a trusted partner for 60% of Fortune 500 companies. Its managed network solutions, including Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet, power enterprise and government sites in over 190 countries.

In a digital age where physical presence is no longer a prerequisite for hiring, global enterprises must embrace technology and connectivity to unlock their full growth potential. By leveraging the benefits of hybrid working and implementing robust network solutions, they can overcome the hiring challenges of the modern world. With the right tools and strategies in place, global enterprises can continue to expand and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

For more information on the research findings, visit [Enterprise Horizons - Expereo](https://www.expereo.com/pages/enterprise-horizons).

About Expereo:

Expereo is a global leader in managed network solutions, offering services such as Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an unrivaled global reach, Expereo is the chosen partner of numerous Fortune 500 companies, empowering their networks and cloud services with optimal performance.