b"SUPPLY CHAIN THE SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGEBy Ellie SullivanReframing talent mobility amid supply chain constraintsA t the recent CERC AnnualWIDE-ANGLE LENS MOBILITY SUPPLY CHAINConference, we explored theQuiet quitting and the great resignationThe relocation supply chain is suffering tsunami of change that hashave fuelled a global talent shortage.a massive labour shortage. Whether washed over the world of work,Despite increasing interest rates, recordtemporary housing or household goods leaving the talent mobilityinflation and a pending recession, demandproviders, destination service providers landscape as jagged as the St. Johns,for talent remains incredibly strong withor relocation management companies, Newfoundland coastline where the confer- record levels of job vacancies in Canadathe entire mobility ecosystem has been ence was held.and a strong labour market in the U.S.impacted, resulting in systemic challenges The accelerated pace of change, shiftingand globally. There are signs the hot jobthat are not likely to subside quickly.demographics and morphing personalmarket is cooling, but workers still haveDespite implementing creative recruiting priorities have forever changed the worldbargaining power for now with frontlinestrategies and apprentice programs, of work, leaving our industry in a particu- workers and technical talent in offering higher compensation, and enticing larly perilous situation. As the keynotecritical demand.workers with sign-on bonuses, career speaker, Hamza Kahn, suggested, busi- development programs and enhanced nesses that lose focus or refuse to adaptThese shortages are compounded bybenefits, suppliers report they just can't get to these changes are doomed to failure.immigration backlogs clogging the systemstaff to show up. Employees are ghosting We explored these harsh realities during aand worsening the talent imbalance. Inthem for better jobs or more flexible cathartic Supplier Roundtable that lookedfact, 97 per cent of CERC members reportschedules. If managers arent packing and at the talent mobility ecosystem fromthat processing delays are having a nega- loading themselves, they are responding to diverse perspectives, including:tive impact on business growth.more vocal inquiries from clients: When 1 The wide-angle lens of the Universal supply chain challenges are alsowill my household goods be delivered? What is taking so long? And why cant senior leadership; hurting businesses far and wide, many ofyou give me a more precise timeframe? which are beyond anyones control, like 2 The mobility supply chain; andflight delays and limited staff at ports ofSuppliers across the ecosystem are entry due to COVID-19 and weather- lamenting the challenge of dealing with 3 The employer perspective.related issues. these labour shortages while service 20PERSPECTIVES Winter 2022"