Volatile markets, technological change, and talent gaps the big concerns for year ahead
New Zealand, 14 January, 2020– Overcoming challenges is a crucial part of any C-suite role but these challenges can often seem like shifting goalposts at times of economic uncertainty, and technological and cultural change. Looking to the year ahead, independent research by specialist recruiter shows that New Zealand business leaders will be facing a broad spectrum of concerns in their role framed by global macro-economic tensions, evolving challenges attached to digital transformation, and a deepening talent-shortage.
1.
Geopolitical and economic challenges framing business confidence
While the New Zealand economy is generally strong, domestic economic conditions are forecast to slow over the coming 5 years[1]. This is in driven by deteriorating global financial conditions and uncertain trade policies underpinned by the US-China trade war and impact of Brexit. This has seen New Zealand business leaders take a cautious and wary view of their global growth outlook as major international trading partners navigate their own tightening economic outlook for 2020[2]. These concerns are exacerbated by subdued domestic forecasts, with GDP growth stagnating alongside falling consumer confidence and expenditure[3].
Indeed, 48% of New Zealand business leaders consider economic uncertainty to be one of the top three biggest challenges that they will face in their role until 2020 followed by 42% who point to increasing competition. And more than one in three (34%) highlight growth of emerging markets as part of their top three external concerns.
2.
Technology continues to dominate
Four in ten (40%) New Zealand business leaders highlight technological changes as one of their primary external concerns, highlighting the continued dominance of technology on the business agenda. While the business advantages of digital transformation are well-known, business leaders are faced with many hurdles in order to leverage the potential of tech opportunities for stronger business results including sourcing technically-skilled talent in a skill-short market and adapting existing workforces to change while upskilling them to meet future business needs. A failure to do so will not only see businesses miss out on internal benefits, but also fall behind competitors and lose a long-term competitive edge.
3.
Talent gap impedes organisational productivity
Access to talent remains a key concern for business leaders across New Zealand, with 37% considering this to be a major external issue. New Zealand is faced with a tight labour market which is expected to stymie their projected growth potential, particularly as a declining unemployment rate, aging population, and slowing migration rates will see demand for skilled labour outstrip labour market growth[4]. On an organisational level, managing workloads (31%), keeping up motivation and engagement (30%), and improving the productivity of the team (29%) are the three biggest talent management concerns for New Zealand managers.
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