Talent Management: Trends That Will Shape the Future

T alent management practices have developed and adapted throughout the years in response to many changes in the workplace, from the industrial revolution and the rise of labor unions, to affirmative action, globalization, and outsourcing, to name just a few. The 1990s ended with a call-to-arms to fight " the war for talent. " While the war for talent clearly has cooled in the early stages of the 21st century, dampened by economic doldrums and concerns with global security, the real battle to attract, develop, motivate, and retain talent is going to heat up considerably. A looming demographic time bomb will make talent management a top priority for organizations. This article covers a number of the trends that have shaped our current practices as well as those that will contribute to future strategies.