Employers embrace underutilized talent

[WORLD] Employers are increasingly turning to a group of highly skilled individuals who remain underemployed. This demographic includes neurodivergent individuals—such as those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—as well as professionals without traditional degrees. Recognizing the untapped potential within this group, companies are implementing targeted programs to recruit, support, and integrate these workers into their teams.

The Underutilized Talent Pool

Despite possessing advanced skills, many individuals find themselves in roles that do not align with their qualifications. In Malaysia, for instance, approximately 1.95 million tertiary-educated workers were employed in low-skilled jobs as of the third quarter of 2024, representing 36.8% of the country's educated workforce. Similarly, a report by the Khazanah Research Institute revealed that 48.6% of Malaysian graduates were overqualified for their current positions in 2021.

This mismatch between education and employment is not unique to Malaysia. In the United States, initiatives like OneTen are helping non-degree professionals develop careers, with companies such as Cisco Systems leading the way in skills-based hiring.

Neurodivergent Workers: A Valuable Asset

Employers are also recognizing the value of neurodivergent individuals in the workforce. Companies like Bank of America, Dell, Microsoft, and SAP have established programs to recruit and support neurodivergent workers, many of whom are highly skilled but face challenges in traditional work environments.

For example, Bank of America's Support Services group employs over 250 neurodivergent workers to manage essential tasks, while Enabled Intelligence, a startup engaged in data labeling for the U.S. military, reports 97% accuracy—well above the industry standard—by hiring neurodivergent employees.

Workplace accommodations such as quieter office layouts or personalized booths are helping these employees thrive. Advocates argue that adjusting work environments and expectations could unlock immense potential within this overlooked group, boosting both workforce inclusion and productivity.

The Rise of Freelancing and Skills-Based Hiring

The evolving job market is also witnessing a surge in freelancing, particularly in the tech industry. Platforms like A.Team, Malt, and Pangea.app connect top-tier freelancers with companies, allowing businesses to tap into specialized skills on a flexible basis.

This shift towards freelancing is supported by advancements in generative AI and mass layoffs, which have led companies to seek highly skilled freelancers for long-term roles, often integrating them deeply into their teams.

Additionally, the trend towards skills-based hiring is gaining momentum. Companies are increasingly prioritizing skills over traditional degrees, recognizing that this approach can lead to higher retention and wage growth for employees.

Addressing the Skills Mismatch

To bridge the gap between education and employment, both the public and private sectors are taking steps to align skills with industry needs. In Malaysia, the government is implementing initiatives such as the MYFutureJobs portal and various reskilling and upskilling programs through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to improve employment opportunities.

Similarly, in the United States, companies like IBM, Aon, and Walmart are adopting skills-based hiring practices, focusing on the abilities of candidates rather than their educational credentials.

These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and efficient labor market, where individuals are employed in roles that match their skills and qualifications.thesun.my

Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of highly skilled but underemployed individuals, including neurodivergent workers and professionals without traditional degrees. By implementing targeted programs and adopting skills-based hiring practices, companies can tap into this underutilized talent pool, enhancing workplace diversity and productivity. As the job market continues to evolve, aligning education with industry needs and creating inclusive work environments will be crucial in addressing the challenges of underemployment and skills mismatch