Organizations worldwide are facing an unprecedented talent shortage. 75% of employers report difficulty filling job vacancies, which is the second-highest percentage since records began in 2006. As local labor markets become more competitive, international hiring has become a core strategic practice. Accessing global talent pools allows companies to fill skill gaps, reduce time-to-hire, and build diverse, resilient teams prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

How international hiring helps close critical talent gaps

International hiring offers practical solutions to talent shortages by:

• Accessing specialized skills: Certain roles require niche expertise that may be unavailable or in short supply in the local market. Hiring internationally provides access to highly skilled professionals across borders.

• It speeds up the hiring process: Expanding recruitment globally broadens the talent pool, helping companies fill roles faster.

• Building diverse project teams: International hires bring new perspectives, cultural insights, and innovative approaches to project teams.

• Maintaining Continuity: Global talent can fill critical roles and prevent project delays when local talent is scarce.

Regions and roles with the highest talent shortages

Several regions around the world are currently facing talent shortages across key industries and role:

• North America: The energy and engineering industries face the greatest talent shortages, particularly in skilled technician and project manager roles.
• Europe: Countries like Norway, the UK, and Germany are experiencing high demand in renewable energy and conventional energy sectors, especially for engineers and project leaders.
• Middle East: The construction and infrastructure industries continue to require experienced engineers, project managers, and site supervisors to support large-scale developments in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Africa: In nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and Gabon, the energy industries are struggling to fill skilled technical positions and specialist roles.
• Asia-Pacific: Australia and India are seeing growing shortages in technology-driven industries, renewable energy projects, and environmental health and safety roles.
• Across regions: Procurement specialists, instrumentation engineers, and sustainability experts remain critically needed to support the ongoing energy transition worldwide.

Overcoming legal and logistical barriers to global recruitment

To effectively hire across borders, companies need to carefully navigate and adapt to local labor laws, project locations, and regulatory frameworks. Tailoring recruitment strategies to regional conditions ensures compliance, accelerates onboarding, and helps businesses find the right talent where it’s needed most.

The role of employer of record (EOR) in international hiring

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a valuable solution for companies looking to hire talent across borders without the complexities of setting up local entities. It simplifies global hiring by managing contracts, payroll, compliance, and legal risks across borders.

At WTS Energy, our EOR services help you quickly onboard specialized talent worldwide. We manage employment complexities to save you time and reduce risk, so you can focus on your business success.

Making international hiring part of your workforce strategy

Make international hiring a key part of your talent strategy to access a broader skill pool and overcome local shortages. Build a flexible, diverse workforce ready to meet global project demands. Start your global recruitment journey now with WTS Energy and secure the talent your business needs to thrive!