How CBRE cares for its employees, learn what they are good at, and takes advantage of that unique talent.
In the current labor landscape, talent and human resources management faces multiple challenges and requires innovative strategies to attract and retain the best professionals. With Jaime de Orueta, Head of Talent Acquisition at CBRE, we have talked about the most relevant points within talent management
There is a significant gap between the capabilities and skills of professionals and the demands of the current market. The training has not been in step with the new characteristics and needs of the business fabric, Jaime highlights.
This problem is even more present in sectors that are not traditionally perceived as technological, such as real estate, where the demand for technological skills has increased considerably, but the supply has not.
“There is a great shortage of talent and especially the technological part, I would say that it is the biggest challenge we have now.”
However, De Orueta maintains that the talent shortage is not exclusive to Spain; It is a common trend throughout Europe, although we notice it more here.
Multinationals also look for profiles with technology skills and multiple languages, as well as work flexibility that is not always available in all countries.
Some, like Portugal, have made progress in welcoming digital nomads, which, according to Jaime, could be a model to follow to adapt ours to these talents.
“The profiles we want are profiles with languages, they are international profiles, they are profiles that, in some cases, seek a very flexible employment relationship. So, many times either the companies are not prepared or the countries are not prepared”
Another difficulty they encounter at CBRE is the lack of brand awareness. Many companies, even though they are leaders in their sector, face the problem of being little known among potential employees.
The lack of brand visibility directly affects the ability to attract talent. To improve, in this sense, Jaime told us that they work a lot on collaboration with young talent associations, presence at events and attending relevant fairs.
“For a team to work, the first thing is to have clear ideas. Not only about oneself, but also clear ideas about what the objective is and how to get there.”
Effective communication and understanding each member's individual strengths and contributions are essential.
They complement each other and, thanks to this collaboration, a diverse team can be formed that is completed with what each member can offer. Transversality and collaboration are also essential in this company.
A transversal approach that promotes cross-selling and collaboration between different service areas can generate continuous business opportunities and foster a dynamic and cohesive work environment.
“For a team to work, the first thing is to have clear ideas. Not only about oneself, but also clear ideas about what the objective is and how to get there.”
Adhering to strong corporate values such as respect, integrity, service and excellence (RISE values) helps create a robust and engaging organizational culture for employees.
Jaime told us that, in the selection process, it is essential that candidates meet these values. Even if you have the hard skills sought, the company's values are very precise and must prevail.
“Our corporate values, respect, integrity, service and excellence (RISE values), are our best ally when creating a robust and attractive organizational culture for employees”
Flexibility is also a key point in a constantly moving work world. Companies must adapt to new employee expectations, offering flexibility and autonomy. A positive work environment, where employees feel they can organize their time and work efficiently, is crucial to attracting and retaining talent.
For Jaime, flexibility should not become absenteeism nor face a certain presence, which is extremely important and enriching, working in person is essential, contact with your team, face to face... these are things that cannot be lost.
“We debate important topics, chat in a relaxed atmosphere, strengthen relationships and create friendships, beyond work... If you are not present, these important human connections on a personal and professional level are lost.”
However, teleworking, “flexworking” as he calls it, is also a very interesting tool for reconciling the worker's life.
In a market where the war for talent is already intense, Jaime tells us that he foresees an increase in competition. Companies must be prepared to constantly innovate in their recruitment and retention strategies. In this sense, adapting to geographic and specialization trends in advance will be key to staying competitive.
“You have to anticipate to become an attractive entity and in line with the new expectations of professionals. Seeing beyond and setting trends is a must to attract the best talent”
“You have to build from below. "You have to anticipate"
It is true that artificial intelligence and other technological tools will play an increasingly important role in talent selection and will help companies in that progress.
“Most of us already use technology on a daily basis and for many, Google is our best ally. It will not be surprising if artificial intelligence finds an important place in our daily lives, also becoming a most valuable tool, capable of helping us with many tasks that can be automated.”
However, the human component will continue to be crucial to evaluate qualities and cultural compatibility
“because, in the face of artificial intelligence, in the candidate's response, there are many variables that are lost. And that's where the human part is.”
In short, managing talent in today's workplace requires a combination of innovative strategies, adaptation to modern employee expectations, and a strong commitment to corporate values.
Flexibility, the use of advanced technologies and a strong organizational culture are essential elements to attract and retain the best professionals in an increasingly competitive market.