Kommersant.ru | September 17, 2013
Manpower Fight
The war for talent is being waged. At the same time, according to Jacobson Partners, despite the gradual development of the segment in the post-crisis period of economic recovery, the level of the labor force engaged in commercial transportation, has not yet reached that of 2008. Thus, according to the Federal State Statistics Service, we can see that the downward trend in the labor force is still present, in particular, in haulage companies: 333,400 people in 2008; 299,600 in 2010; 299,100 in 2012.
Changes in the commercial transportation segment were actively predicted by experts over the last couple of years as there was a belief that the market will react strongly to Russia joining WTO. Experts feared engaging unqualified personnel and unreasonable growth of salary expectations of qualified and experienced personnel. However, in accordance with Jacobson Partners' opinion there was no surge in salary expectations in this sector: the wages of top managers are steadily increasing from year to year by an average of 10% reaching the pre-crisis level and no revolutionary changes were observed.
Key people of the commercial transport market are well known, as there are few of them, and the demand for professional and effective managers is high. The market and companies need "fresh blood" and a new view of the current challenges, so in some cases companies from the commercial transportation segment hire professionals on top positions from other sectors of the economy. As for middle-management positions, professionals with particular experience and qualifications are required.
It is rather difficult to lure competent managers from other industries. Most of them prefer to stay in their sectors. Nevertheless, common factors affecting the decision to move from another industry can be identified: an opportunity to handle a new level of challenges, a larger remuneration package, professional and/or career development. According to Jacobson Partners, today one can speak of a gradual balance between the candidate's expectations and what the employer offers, making the labor market more professional and appropriate.
Particular attention should be paid to recruitment of middle managers. The issue of searching for technical experts gives a headache to many companies in various business sectors and in the field of commercial transportation in particular. According to Jacobson Partners, there is obviously a shortage of duly trained and qualified young professionals. At the same time, yesterday's graduates do not always realize the opportunities of career development and enter the market with high salary expectations. Today, the lack of qualified personnel can still be compensated by the older generation, but it is not always a solution as most often middle-aged professionals do not meet the dynamics of contemporary business.
According to Jacobson Partners, despite the current relatively stable situation in the personnel market for commercial transportation, the further development of this segment will lead to a shortage of skilled personnel, and consistent growth of unjustified salaries, as well as high wages due to the shortage of professionals. In this situation, companies wishing to succeed should reflect on the formation of a personnel pool, development of its own staff and implementing programs to retain talent.
Dmitry Akopov
Details: http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2280629.