It’s only natural that HR leaders are excited about handling strategic issues such as talent management and global leadership development.  However, in many companies, it’s the HR basics that keep the HR Chief awake at night.  In many different industries, US businesses are hurting badly due to the lack of skilled staff.  For example, the US transportation industry needs 20,000 new drivers.  High tech companies are seeking specialized staff to expand their operations and grow the company.  Hospitals are struggling to hire qualified nurses and recruit worldwide. 

Essential skills will become even scarcer.  The prediction is that the supply will become even worse as the baby boomers start to retire.  Moreover, the big distribution curve bulge does not hit us for a few more years.  Then, the supply will really dry up. 

Of course, some baby boomers will seek to extend their careers to offset the impact on their retirement portfolios of a stale stock market and the recent housing bust.  However, many workers do not have this option.  In many cases, the worker is forced into complete retirement because of physical ailments or sickness.  In some industries, the graying worker just cannot handle the stresses and demands and is forced to seek lighter work.  Cost is another factor.  Companies find it hard to justify paying the huge premiums accumulated by aging baby boomer compensation.  It’s hard to justify paying an older employee up to 50% more than a younger proficient worker.  Although it is denied, companies force out the older workers and replace them with younger

The current political impasse over immigration means that the USA does not have a workable process to meet the skill gap.  Visa quotas have become a divisive political issue and a guest worker program will not be resolved until after the next election. 

The lack of skilled staff is just one of the issues that HR leaders must tackle daily.  CEOs need HR to solve these basic problems because today, nuts and bolts issues can make or break a company.