Question

The company opened a business unit in Switzerland. The company relies on external labor to maintain a steady supply of talented employees. It is looking to staff the unit with a mix of US workers ad Switzerland workers. However, there is a tight labor market force for employees in Switzerland, which forces the company to look more closely at eh advantages of having satisfied women in the workplace. The Swiss Employers Association released a report in January 2001 calling on companies to do everything they can to allow women to combine career and family through flexible working hours and support the childcare centers.

The challenges this company will face in Switzerland for employee recruiting, retention, and career management are as follows:

1. Recruiting: the pool of candidates is likely to be smaller because of the tight labor market (2% unemployment rate) and the pool will likely consist mainly of women.

2. Retention: A higher pay scale may be needed in order to retain the employees because the market is so tight and people aren't likely to leave their current employer unless pay is much higher. Also, the job fit of the employees might not match up to the skills necessary because the pool of applicants is likely small.

3. Career Management: the company will need to incorporate more flexible scheduling in order to allow women to find a balance between work and family. This could be a retention issue as well. The company may need to be more creative and flexible when trying to grow the careers of its employees.

What development programs could be put in place to address the challenges listed above?

Answer 1

Company should utilize the following set of developmental programs and policies so as to address the above challenges:

1) To ensure a good balanced for pipeline of employees, a training course with real life learning should be started for graduates and professionals degree students supported by scholarships and stipends. It must be open for global talent. These guys must be trained in different profiles of the organization on the job training module. It will must address the shortage of employees . To hire labor class , Gate hiring and consulting manpower firms must be contacted.  

2) Employees will be retained with the help of best practices at workplace. A balanced pay approach , pay as per the merit and contribution to work achievement must be developed. Employees will be re welcomed if they decide to come back to join the organization.  

3) Flexible working hours will be implemented. A virtual work program might be introduced for the backend employees. Women employees must be given every flexibility they need while continuing with their job and managing their families and children. On campus housing, shopping mall , healthcare facilities, entertainment benefits and schooling for children must be offered . It will reduce tension of career along with family management. Every employees who wish to study ahead must be offered financial support. Sabbatical leave must be given to such employees.