Untapped talent in Australia

A new study by Accenture found 50% of female and 52% of male executives (refer table), across Australia, felt they are insufficiently challenged at work. The vast majority (74%) of Australian executives are confident about their skills and capabilities, and are ready to take on new challenges, but remain underutilised by their employers.  The study reinforced the problem inherent in corporations across Australia – employee disengagement.

It is unlikely that companies will be ‘talent magnets’, or excel in talent acquisition, if they are unable to fully engage and utilise their current employees. Perhaps, the challenging economic environment will force employers to re-assess how current employees are engaged, challenged and managed.

The Accenture study titled ‘Untapped Potential: Stretching towards the future’ is rich with data (e.g. 46% of women who considered themselves ‘very successful’ are in jobs that required them to go beyond the normal call of duty). It is a must read. Understanding the problem is the first step towards a solution.