Changes in the world of work, evolving employee expectations, and advances in technology are creating a perfect storm that is transforming the modern workforce and the modern workplace.

Pitched against a backdrop of growing skills gaps, the pressure on organisations to rethink their talent approach - and systems - is intense. This research shows that the majority of organisations are not ready to tackle these challenges, with only 44% confident that their talentmanagement strategy is ready for the modern workforce.

"What we have found with this research is that many organisations are not only unprepared, but worried about their ability to meet the expectations of the modern workforce," said Larry Neal, CEO, The Skillsoft Group.

"In not having a clear strategy for their talent management, many organisations are risking losing out to more agile, innovative, and proactive competitors. This research highlights the challenges that most organisations are facing, but also demonstrates the ways in which they can overcome them."

"Focusing on millennials and technology disruption can detract from addressing other major workforce trends," commented David Wilson, CEO of Fosway Group.

"The workforce is aging and becoming more diverse, virtual and freelance working are on the rise, and skills gaps continue to grow. Employees with the right skills are in high demand, so there is huge pressure on organisations to deliver a strong employee proposition. This research reveals real answers for how HR and learning can attract, retain, and develop the talent required to help their organisations succeed."

Key findings include

• Workplace culture is holding organisations back; only 44% of respondents believe their talent- management approach is ready for the modern workforce.
• In only 16% of cases is organisational culture not a barrier when looking to improve talent-management processes.
• Some 86% find managers' skills and attitudes an issue when meeting the expectations of the modern workforce.
• Around 88% find other priorities and time an issue when tackling change in the workplace.
• The structure of the modern workforce is changing all the time; 33% of employees work in flatter organisational structures.
• A total of 42% of employees work where their skills are in demand rather than because of company loyalty.
• Approximately 27% of employees are contingent workers rather than permanent members of the payroll.
• Confidence in talent is precarious at best. In the most vulnerable areas of digital skills, soft skills, and leadership and management skills, less than 15% of respondents think they have all the skills they need to succeed today, never mind tomorrow.
• Around 67% of our survey respondents say that workers now need to learn - and get up to speed - more quickly.
• Digital is everywhere: 44% report that employees are working more often using a mobile device as their primary tool.
• Almost 55% report that collaboration and social media tools are key to working in their organisations.
• And 68% see the ever-increasing impact of virtual technology on their workforce.