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The workforce is becoming more global, more diverse, and more complex. This changing—and challenging—scenario is the focus of a new book, Workforce Wake-Up Call: Your Workforce Is Changing, Are You? edited by Hewitt experts in talent management. "We are experiencing a seismic shift in the workforce, which is creating an increased demand for talent," explains Bob Gandossy, Talent and Organization Consulting Practice Leader and one of the book's editors. "Now is the time for employers to understand how this shift will play out, especially in knowledge-driven economies, where retaining top talent is key."

The book offers critical insights and guidance on emerging workforce issues from both top business practitioners and academic leaders. The authors include CEOs, such as Ricardo Semler of Semco and Narayana Murthy of Infosys, and business professors, including Noel Tichy of the University of Michigan and Jeff Pfeffer of Stanford University. The authors address four major issues: forecasting talent needs, revitalizing the talent entry processes, treating talent well, and embracing a new leadership style based on shifting demographics.

Gandossy notes that one of the costliest mistakes organizations make is in the area of talent forecasting. "Most organizations don't forecast the skills they need, or have metrics to determine what their workforce should look like in the coming years. Without proper forecasting, a clear strategy, and metrics, an organization cannot make flexible and effective human capital decisions."

Also lacking in most organizations is a process to ensure that the right talent is being hired, Gandossy says. Once talent is in the door, employers must ensure that the workforce is engaged and proactive. "We believe the book provides valuable insights from leading companies on how to do this well," Gandossy says.

A changing workforce is driving the need for a new style of leadership, referred to in the book as "New Age," in which leaders are equipped to deal with a diverse, global, and often virtual workforce. Gandossy explains, "More managers will be leading people they never see, because their teams are spread around the globe. This requires a very different set of management skills."

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