1. SHRM Survey Findings: Changing Employee Skills and
Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
In collaboration with and commissioned by Achieve
October 3, 2012

2. Introduction
• This is the fifth part of a series of SHRM/Achieve survey findings titled “Changing Employee
Skills and Education Requirements.” These results look at changes in the workforce.
• The following nine industries were included in the sample. Overall results are reported first,
followed by industry-specific results for the following industries:
 Construction, mining, oil and gas
 Federal government
 Finance
 Health
 High-tech
 Manufacturing
 Nonprofessional services
 Professional services
 State and local government
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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3. Key Findings
• How are organizations different now than they were 10 years ago? Overall, organizations cite several key
changes. The most commonly chosen differences across all industries are increased staff size 53%),
increased number of jobs with specific technical requirements (51%), higher education level
requirements for most jobs (46%), increased employee diversity (45%) and fewer entry-level jobs (31%).
• What industries were most likely to report that higher education levels are required today in their
industries compared with a decade ago? Health (54%), manufacturing (52%), state/local government
(48%) and federal government (46%) were most likely to report higher education requirements today
than those needed 10 years ago.
• What industries were most likely to report that they have more jobs with specific skills requirements today
compared with a decade ago? High-tech (73%), manufacturing (56%), construction, mining, oil and gas
(56%), state/local government (53%) and health (51%) were most likely to report an increase in the
number of jobs with specific technical requirements today compared with 10 years ago.
• What changes do organizations predict will affect them in the next three to five years? The changes
organizations are most likely to forecast are an increased number of jobs with specific technical
requirements (60%), increased staff size (55%), higher education level requirements for most jobs (50%),
increased employee diversity (49%) and more jobs related to science, technology, engineering and
math (31%).
• What industries are most likely to predict a need for higher education levels for most jobs?
Manufacturing (59%), health (56%), high-tech (51%), state/local government (51%) and professional
services (49%) were most likely to predict a need for higher education levels for most jobs in three to five
years compared with today.
• What industries are most likely to predict more jobs with specific technical requirements? High-tech
(79%), manufacturing (71%) and construction, mining, oil and gas (69%) were most likely to predict that
there will be more jobs with specific technical requirements in their industry in three to five years
compared with today.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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4. Key Findings
• What education levels do organizations believe will experience the greatest increase in demand over
the next three to give years? Organizations across industries are most likely to report an increased need
for bachelor’s degree holders (55%), advance degree (e.g., master’s, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) holders
(41%) and specific postsecondary certificates/credentials (32%).
• What industries were most likely to report an increase in the need for employees holding the following
education credentials?
– Advanced degrees: High-tech (56%), health (51%) and professional services (49%) were most likely
to predict an increased need for employees with advanced degrees.
– Bachelor’s degrees: Health (62%), manufacturing (58%), construction, mining, oil and gas (57%),
finance (57%) and high-tech (56%) were most likely to predict an increased need for employees
with bachelor’s degrees.
– Associate’s degrees: Manufacturing (36%), state/local government (31%) and health (29%) were
most likely to predict an increased need for employees with associate’s degrees.
– Specific postsecondary certificates/credentials: Health (40%), manufacturing (39%) and
construction, mining, oil and gas (36%) were most likely to predict an increased need for
employees with specific postsecondary certificates/credentials.
– High school diplomas: Manufacturing (26%), construction, mining, oil and gas (24%) and
nonprofessional services (24%) were most likely to predict an increased need for employees with at
least a high school diploma.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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5. Think about your organization’s workforce today compared
with 10 years ago. What are the differences?
All Construction, Non-
Industries Mining, Oil Federal Manufac- professional Professional State/Local
(n = and Gas Government Finance Health High-tech turing Services Services Government
3,135) (n = 311) (n = 173) (n = 336) (n = 415) (n = 289) (n = 382) (n = 224) (n = 472) (n = 533)
Increased staff
size
53% 58% 39% 63% 65% 58% 45% 51% 56% 40%
More jobs with
specific
technical
51% 56% 43% 40% 51% 73% 56% 31% 49% 53%
requirements
Higher
education level
required for
46% 39% 46% 44% 54% 43% 52% 33% 44% 48%
most jobs
Increased
employee 45% 41% 47% 45% 45% 44% 44% 49% 47% 47%
diversity
Fewer entry-
level jobs
31% 22% 41% 25% 28% 42% 31% 17% 37% 31%
Decreased
staff size
29% 24% 44% 21% 21% 18% 36% 30% 25% 45%
Note: Percentages do not total 100% due to multiple response options.
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6. Think about your organization’s workforce today compared
with 10 years ago. What are the differences? (continued)
Construction, Non-
All Mining, Oil Federal High- Manufac- professional Professional State/Local
Industries and Gas Government Finance Health tech turing Services Services Government
(n = 3,135) (n = 311) (n = 173) (n = 336) (n = 415) (n = 289) (n = 382) (n = 224) (n = 472) (n = 533)
More jobs
related to
science,
technology,
26% 30% 25% 14% 20% 58% 36% 10% 28% 19%
engineering
and math
More jobs that
are service- 23% 19% 15% 33% 37% 20% 8% 40% 22% 20%
oriented
Greater
reliance on
temporary or 21% 18% 21% 15% 14% 21% 38% 22% 17% 20%
contingent
workers
More entry-
level jobs
18% 20% 8% 26% 18% 12% 21% 26% 15% 14%
Lower
education level
required for
1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
most jobs
Other 3% 1% 5% 4% 6% 2% 2% 2% 2% 6%
Not sure 8% 9% 9% 6% 6% 10% 8% 9% 10% 5%
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
Note: Percentages do not total 100% due to multiple response options. ©SHRM 2012 6

7. Think about your organization’s workforce in the next three to five
years. Compared with today, what are the differences?
Construction, Non-
Mining, Oil Federal professional Professional State/Local
All Industries and Gas Government Finance Health High-tech Manufacturing Services Services Government
(n = 3,414) (n = 345) (n = 190) (n = 361) (n = 440) (n = 326) (n = 417) (n = 247) (n = 527) (n = 561)
More jobs with
specific technical 60% 69% 52% 49% 62% 79% 71% 42% 58% 55%
requirements
Increased staff size 55% 70% 30% 66% 56% 70% 52% 55% 64% 29%
Higher education
lev el required for 50% 43% 42% 46% 56% 51% 59% 40% 49% 51%
most jobs
Increased
employee div ersity
49% 48% 45% 53% 48% 49% 50% 45% 50% 48%
More science-,
technology-,
engineering- and
31% 37% 28% 16% 25% 61% 44% 13% 31% 22%
math-related jobs
Fewer entry-lev el
jobs
30% 19% 41% 25% 32% 37% 34% 18% 30% 34%
Note: Percentages do not total 100% due to multiple response options.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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8. Think about your organization’s workforce in the next three to five
years. Compared with today what are the differences? (continued)
Construction, Non-
Mining, Oil Federal professional Professional State/Local
All Industries and Gas Government Finance Health High-tech Manufacturing Services Services Government
(n = 3,414) (n = 345) (n = 190) (n = 361) (n = 440) (n = 326) (n = 417) (n = 247) (n = 527) (n = 561)
More serv ice-
29% 23% 22% 43% 40% 27% 12% 43% 29% 26%
oriented jobs
Greater reliance
on temporary/ 20% 17% 27% 12% 14% 20% 25% 21% 17% 25%
contingent workers
Decreased staff
19% 7% 49% 11% 17% 11% 18% 15% 15% 33%
size
More entry-lev el
19% 28% 12% 21% 15% 18% 17% 28% 19% 13%
jobs
Lower education
lev els required for 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 0% 1%
most jobs
Other 3% 2% 4% 4% 4% 2% 2% 2% 2% 4%
Not sure 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 3% 6% 10% 8% 10%
Note: Percentages do not total 100% due to multiple response options.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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9. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? All Industries
16%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 3,386) 68%
16%
32%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
62%
only (n = 3,290)
5% Increase
Stay the same
25%
Associate’s degree (n = 3,275) Decrease
67%
7%
55%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 3,409) 43%
2%
41%
Advanced degree
56%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 3,338)
3%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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10. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? Construction, Mining, Oil and Gas
24%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 342) 67%
9%
36%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
62%
only (n = 336)
2% Increase
Stay the same
22%
Associate’s degree (n = 326) Decrease
75%
4%
57%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 344) 41%
1%
33%
Advanced degree
64%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 331)
2%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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11. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? Federal Government
7%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 189) 69%
24%
30%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
63%
only (n = 184)
7% Increase
Stay the same
26%
Associate’s degree (n = 183) Decrease
62%
11%
52%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 190) 46%
3%
45%
Advanced degree
51%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 191)
5%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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12. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? Finance
13%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 362) 73%
14%
22%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
71%
only (n = 338)
6% Increase
Stay the same
23%
Associate’s degree (n = 338) Decrease
72%
5%
57%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 362) 41%
1%
38%
Advanced degree
61%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 350)
1%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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13. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? Health
17%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 435) 69%
14%
40%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
57%
only (n = 426)
3% Increase
Stay the same
29%
Associate’s degree (n = 428) Decrease
62%
9%
62%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 438) 37%
2%
51%
Advanced degree
47%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 434)
1%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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14. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? High-tech
9%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 319) 63%
27%
28%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
61%
only (n = 310)
11% Increase
Stay the same
18%
Associate’s degree (n = 314) Decrease
69%
13%
56%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 326) 42%
2%
56%
Advanced degree
44%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 321)
1%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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15. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? Manufacturing
26%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 415) 64%
10%
39%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
58%
only (n = 402)
3% Increase
Stay the same
36%
Associate’s degree (n = 402) Decrease
60%
5%
58%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 415) 40%
2%
39%
Advanced degree
58%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 404)
3%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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16. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? Nonprofessional Services
24%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 245) 67%
10%
26%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
70%
only (n = 239)
4% Increase
Stay the same
23%
Associate’s degree (n = 238) Decrease
73%
5%
44%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 244) 54%
2%
27%
Advanced degree
68%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 238)
5%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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17. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? Professional Services
8%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 518) 70%
22%
29%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
62%
only (n = 505)
9% Increase
Stay the same
19%
Associate’s degree (n = 501) Decrease
71%
10%
52%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 527) 46%
3%
49%
Advanced degree
48%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 520)
2%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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18. Do you anticipate that your organization’s needs for employees at the
following education levels will increase, stay the same or decrease over
the next three to five years? State/Local Government
13%
High school diploma or equivalent only (n = 561) 71%
16%
35%
Specific postsecondary certificate/credential(s)
61%
only (n = 550)
3% Increase
Stay the same
31%
Associate’s degree (n = 545) Decrease
64%
5%
52%
Bachelor’s degree (n = 563) 45%
3%
32%
Advanced degree
64%
(e.g., master's, MBA, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) (n = 549)
4%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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19. SHRM Survey Findings: Changing Employee Skills and
Education Requirements
In collaboration with and commissioned by Achieve
Survey Methodology
• Response rate = 18%
• 4,695 HR professional respondents from a randomly selected sample of nine different
industries in SHRM’s membership
 Construction, mining, oil and gas = 491
 Manufacturing = 526
 Federal government = 356
 Nonprofessional services = 479
 Finance = 530
 Professional services = 492
 Health = 526
 State and local government = 848
 High-tech = 447
• Margin of error +/-1%
• Survey fielded March 28-April 30, 2012
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
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20. SHRM Survey Findings: Changing Employee Skills
and Education Requirements
About SHRM Research
• For more survey/poll findings, visit www.shrm.org/surveys
• For more information about SHRM’s Customized Research Services, visit
www.shrm.org/customizedresearch
• Follow us on Twitter @SHRM_Research
SHRM/Achieve Survey: Changing Employee Skills and Education Requirements—Changes in the Workforce
©SHRM 2012 20