LINKOPING, Sweden, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), the world leader in innovative workforce solutions, today led discussions of business leaders and academics in Linkoping, Sweden, on the challenges of the global talent race. Jeff Joerres, ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO, joined business leaders from across the region for two panel debates; "Yes, Sweden (and Europe) Can Win if...," and "Which Countries are the Locomotives in the Global Economy?"

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Joerres discussed key themes including the rise of global unemployment and youth unemployment in particular. Joerres also addressed the steps needed to attract and retain in-demand talent (more than one in three employers in Sweden struggle to fill vacancies, according to ManpowerGroup's 2012 annual Talent Shortage Survey); the importance of looking past traditional labor pools, including beyond a nation's borders, for talent; and the importance of embracing a Teachable Fit model of recruiting for potential as opposed to existing skills.

"As labor markets around the world become increasingly volatile and unpredictable, organizations must prepare for one certainty — uncertainty," said Joerres. "Employers have two choices; either continue at a conservative rate and hope for the best, or become more agile, think laterally and drive innovation and, therefore, success through talent. In doing this, employers can turn "what if" into "what will" become of my business."

As part of the discussion, Joerres also shared insights detailing the collaborative steps that employers, governments and educational institutions should take to drive business success —drawing on ManpowerGroup's own unique world of work insights and expertise — and in doing so, alleviate unemployment, particularly amongst Millennials. 

The "Yes, Sweden (and Europe) Can Win if..." panel was moderated by journalist and writer Thomas Gur.

Joining Joerres on the panel were the following participants:

• Hakan Buskhe, CEO, Saab Group
• Dan Hamilton, Professor and Director Center for Transatlantic Relations, Johns Hopkins University
• Anna Jardfelt, Director, Foreign Affairs Institute
• Sylvia Schwaag Serger, Director, Vinnova

The "Which Countries are the Locomotives in the Global Economy?" panel was moderated by Sandro Scocco, Finance Manager, Global Challenge. Joerres was joined by panelists including:

• Lars-Eric Aaro, CEO, LKAB
• Mikael Lindstrom, Adviser, Huawei
• Ola Pettersson, Finance Director, LO
• Anders Rune, Finance Director, Teknikforetagen
• Cecilia Skingsley, Finance Director, Swedbank
• Dan Hamilton, Professor and Director Center for Transatlantic Relations, Johns Hopkins University
• Phil Wickham, CEO and President, Society of Kauffman Fellows, Palo Alto

Joerres will tomorrow join the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, HR Directors, Politicians and CEOs for a discussion titled "The Talent War Effect for Stockholm."  The event will address how talent  shortages impact country, city and company strategy, and Joerres will advise business leaders to consider flexible work models, implement contemporary and flexible people practices and develop a talent ecosystem with a short time to value in order to accelerate business and economic growth.

About ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup™ (NYSE: MAN) is the world leader in innovative workforce solutions that ensure the talent sustainability of the world's workforce for the good of companies, communities, countries, and individuals themselves. Specializing in solutions that help organizations achieve business agility and workforce flexibility, ManpowerGroup leverages its 65 years of world of work expertise to create the work models, design the people practices and access the talent sources its clients need for the future. From staffing, recruitment, workforce consulting, outsourcing and career management to assessment, training and development, ManpowerGroup delivers the talent to drive the innovation and productivity of organizations in a world where talentism is the dominant economic system. Every day, ManpowerGroup connects more than 630,000 people to work and builds their experience and employability through its relationships with 400,000 clients across 80 countries and territories. ManpowerGroup's suite of solutions is offered through ManpowerGroup™ Solutions, Manpower®, Experis™ and Right Management®. ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the third consecutive year in 2013, confirming our position as the most trusted brand in the industry. See how ManpowerGroup makes powering the world of work humanly possible at www.manpowergroup.com. Follow ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres on Twitter: Twitter.com/manpowergroupjj

SOURCE ManpowerGroup