We are living through a moment in our nation’s history when there are more jobs available than qualified people to do them. Whether we’re in good economic times or bad, in a period of stability or disruption, it seems clear the skills shortage is here to stay.
Research from SHRM indicates that about 2 out of every 3 HR professionals are facing difficulty hiring for full-time jobs—up from half in 2013. They blame a low number of applicants, lack of candidate experience, competition from other employers, lack of candidate technical skills and not enough qualified candidates in the local market.
The talent shortage and an increasingly global customer base is giving employers little choice but to expand their traditional recruitment efforts beyond traditional borders. An improved ability to fill empty positions with qualified talent from around the world will ensure that American companies continue to grow and be competitive in a challenging global marketplace.
John Deere is an iconic brand that does business around the world. We are looking for the best and brightest to join our team, wherever in the world they may live. We and other employers are looking for innovative and competitive approaches to immigration that protect American workers and employers. As an example, we believe immigration reform should include a national, entirely electronic and integrated employment-eligibility verification system that provides employers with certainty that new hires are authorized to work.
Immigration is just one of many solutions across the talent landscape. We also should continue to invest in our K-12 pipeline to make sure that American workers are prepared for the challenging jobs of the future. In addition, we should consider non-traditional pools of talent—veterans, older workers, people with disabilities, the formerly incarcerated, and those with non-traditional education backgrounds. And we need public policies that support employer-provided educational assistance, apprenticeships, and other programs that help employers invest in training.
It’s time to modernize employment immigration. That’s why HR professionals must lead in advocating for smart immigration policies and for innovative approaches to talent acquisition. Talent, after all, has no nationality and recognizes no borders.
Marc A. Howze will join SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. and CHROs from Booz Allen Hamilton and Zappos to continue the conversation on all things work. Join the LIVESTREAM and ask your questions! 11/16, 12:30-1:45 p.m. www.shrm.org/VLSLivestream #WeAreWork
Marc A. Howze is Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Deere & Company, a position he was appointed to in November 2016. In this role, he has responsibility for key administrative activities of the company, including Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Affairs, Communications, Brand Management, and Security. Mr. Howze joined Deere & Company in 2001 as an attorney. He later served as Senior Attorney, Senior Counsel, and Manager, Business Development, Consumer Equipment Division. Mr. Howze was elected Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Deere & Company, in 2006. In 2008, Mr. Howze was assigned to Deere's agricultural marketing group as Marketing Integration Manager. In 2009, he was appointed Factory Manager, John Deere Turf Care, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and was later Global Director, Cotton Harvesting Product Line. Immediately prior to his current position, he was Vice President, Global Human Resources and Employee Communications, beginning in October 2012. Prior to joining John Deere, Mr. Howze served in the U.S. Army as an artillery officer and in various capacities as a Judge Advocate. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Howze earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, a juris doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He is a member of the Illinois and Michigan Bar Associations and member of the boards of the Executive Leadership Council, Human Resources Policy Association, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. In 2018, Mr. Howze was elected to the board of directors for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
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