It’s time to arm-up in the war for talent

EDITOR’S COMMENT: As the Great Resignation begins to take hold and millions of individuals around the world start to re-evaluate exactly what they want from work in a post-Covid world, understanding the wants and needs of talent has never been more important. And in an industry like real estate, where the fight to get really good people in and to keep them is potentially a little bit tougher because of its perception in the wider world, the next few months could cause some pretty big headaches. Attracting and retaining good people is essential for real estate. Our planet depends on it. We have the regions to level up – let’s face it, government is unlikely to do that and certainly not on its own. We have buildings to decarbonise, places to make more liveable, safer, happier, we have labs to build so we can continue to fight off the pandemics of the future, we have data centres to deliver so we can continue evolve technologically, homes to build so that everyone can have a roof over their heads, logistics space to provide so that our addiction to buying stuff can continue to be fed, high streets to reimagine… I could go on. Never before has talent been so business-critical. And never before has it been so demanding. There is a lot to learn for all businesses across all sectors if they are to provide the environment – both physical and corporate – that makes them stand out from the crowd. EG is trying to do its bit to help real estate in this war for talent with a section this week focused on just that. You can find out why understanding the neurodiverse needs of your workforce will enable you to unlock a swath of fresh talent, elevate productivity and work wonders when it comes to attracting and retaining staff, and why creating a “fun” office might be the biggest turn-off if you are on the hunt for the very best team. You can also find out how failure can deliver the perfect solution. Four former executives from Softbank-backed modular construction pioneer Katerra, which went bust in the summer, have reunited to drive the expansion of their one-time rival in a move that definitely should not be underestimated . We have seen a plethora of new hires focused on talent and people development. Board roles that have the function of telling businesses how to make themselves attractive to personnel, not just shareholders. We have seen businesses, such as GPE last week, publish social impact strategies. Strategies that aren’t just about them being able to deliver social value in the places they develop, but that also show their employees they are a business with purpose, a business that cares, a business you can feel good about working for. And look at the growing number of real estate businesses that are becoming B Corporations, putting purpose alongside profit because it is not only the right thing to do but because talent demands it. The new generation of employees aren’t all about the money and the kudos, they are about heart and soul and impact. Never before has it been more important to listen to talent and to understand their wants and needs, which is why it has never been so important that you sign up for EG’s final Future Leaders event of 2021. This free event is the perfect example to not just be inspired by the eight wonderful individuals who will stand up on stage, sans notes, and present for 10 minutes, but learn more about what matters to the leaders of tomorrow and to strengthen your armoury in what is set to be the greatest war for talent yet. Sign up to attend at https://blog3.s47657.p1364.sites.pressdns.com/eg-events/future-leaders/