What is the War for Talent?

What is the War for Talent?

What is the war for talent? The term “War for Talent” was introduced in 1997 by three McKinsey consultants: Michaels, Handfield-Jones and Axelrod.

With this term they summarised the fierce battle to recruit and train human resource or talent, that could quickly create a competitive advantage for the companies that succeed in winning them. The concept is closely linked to that of Employer Branding because it is associated with the attraction and retention of the best employees.

Historically the ‘war for talent’ had strong usage in the United States, especially during the economic bubble, but it has had other associations also throughout Europe. Subsequently the phenomenon, contrary to expectations, has not declined, indeed, ten years after the concept first appeared it was referenced in an article in The Mckinsey Quarterly, which recited: “The War for Talent is never over. Managers should constantly rethink how their companies want to attract, motivate and retain their employees, as it is still important (and complex) to attract and retain the best talent in the company.”