Hiring isn’t the problem. Retention is

At the same time, underlying labor market fundamentals remain relatively strong. Unemployment is still low, and many organizations are thinking ahead rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations.

Diana Scott, U.S. Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, says the hiring outlook reflects a longer-term view of workforce needs.

“Organizations really are doing a little bit of hoarding of talent,” she says. “They’re trying to hang on to their talent, and they’re putting more effort into ways to engage. They’re thinking hard about the talent pipeline and how to make sure they keep the people they really need.”

Despite the headlines, the fundamental issue for many organizations hasn’t changed: how to secure the skills they will need in the years ahead.

Finding talent is one thing. Keeping it is another.

While hiring plans remain steady, retention continues to be a sticking point. According to the survey, just 34% of CHROs expect retention to improve, while 19% expect it to worsen, and nearly half expect it to stay the same.