Forget the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, it’s the dawn of a brand new era – and one which world leaders are singing about. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO Jeffry Joerres proclaimed that the world has entered the Human Age.

As the head of a Fortune 150 company operating in 82 countries and territories, Jeffrey is not a careless town crier. His dramatic declaration came after considerable exposure to global megatrends and mounting evidence from every corner.

In his paper entitled “The Human Age”, Jeffrey makes the point that optimising human potential will become the single most important determinant of future business success and economic growth.

“Unleashing potential will become the ultimate quest that we must seek to conquer as the world enters the Human Age… Previous eras were defined first by the raw materials our ancestors bent to their will – stone, iron and bronze; then they were characterized by the domains people conquered with ever-improving technology – industry, space and information. Now, it will be human potential itself that will be the catalyst for change and the global driving force – economically, politically and socially.”

He goes on to outline how businesses and governments will have to evolve their strategies and structures to succeed in the Human Age.

“Employers need to adjust their mindset to ensure that they have the right workforce models and people practices in place to attract, retain and unleash this inner human potential.”

Highlighting the critical need for Talent Management, Joerres points out the increasing paradox of high levels of unemployment and yet gaping job vacancies. According to ManpowerGroup’s most recent Talent Shortage Survey of more than 35,000 employers across 36 countries, more than 30 percent are struggling to fill desperately-needed jobs in order to succeed.

“To thrive and grow, companies and governments will need to engage and motivate older workers to remain in the workforce longer, and find a way to attract and train their youth… Likewise, individuals will also be challenged to maintain a ‘learning mindset’ to ensure they continue to develop and unleash their optimum human potential throughout their careers.”

Origin, through its specialised approach to 360 Assessments, is clearly focused on identifying this human potential and guiding its development. We are steadfast in our belief that developing and growing one’s people is the surest way to grow one’s business – now and into the new age ahead.