In an ever-evolving technological landscape, the demand for skilled workers continues to soar. Employees must constantly update their knowledge and abilities to keep pace with emerging trends and remain competitive in the job market. By 2030, it is estimated that there will be 92 million digital jobs globally, a significant increase from the 73 million reported today. This growth has been attributed to the increasing adoption of digital technologies and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which is transforming industries and creating new opportunities. Generative AI, a type of AI focused on creative output and content generation, is expanding the scope for automation across various sectors, leading to the redefinition and updating of existing job roles. Low-level functions, which often involve mechanical and routine tasks, are particularly affected by these advancements. From an employee’s perspective, these trends underscore the growing importance of skills and lifelong learning. To succeed in the modern workplace, individuals must be willing to embrace new technologies and develop the necessary skills to leverage them effectively. Remote work has become increasingly prevalent, exposing candidates to global competition. To ensure job security, employees must stay abreast of technological advancements and learn to utilize tools like AI to their advantage. Hadi Partovi, founder of Code.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to computer science education, aptly summarizes this challenge: “The risk isn’t people losing their jobs to AI. It’s [people] losing their job to somebody else who knows how to use AI.” In light of these developments, companies like Huawei Technologies recognize the critical need to evaluate and enhance their strategies for talent growth and employee retention. They understand that employees are increasingly prioritizing opportunities for skills development and lifelong learning, and they must adapt to meet these changing demands to maintain a motivated and productive workforce. Human resources development has been a key focus for Huawei over the years. As a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT), the company has offices worldwide, and its employees are known for their expertise, professionalism, and dedication. A group of Huawei employees in Eastern Europe exemplified this commitment when they braved freezing temperatures for 10 hours to carry telecommunications equipment to the top of a snowy mountain ridge, ensuring the restoration of services to a customer’s base station after heavy snowfall. Huawei’s dedication to employee well-being and development has been recognized by the Top Employers Institute, which certified the company as a “Top Employer in Europe” for its excellence in employee conditions for 2024. The institute’s annual Top Employer list is compiled based on a rigorous analysis of each participating business’s human resources practices, covering areas such as work environment, talent acquisition, learning, and well-being. Since 1991, the program has certified over 2,300 organizations in 121 countries or regions, representing approximately 12 million employees worldwide. Huawei has been recognized on the Top Employer list for five consecutive years, a testament to its ongoing commitment to its workforce. The company’s subsidiaries in 16 European nations, including Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom, were also individually recognized for their human resources practices. One of the key factors behind Huawei’s success in talent management is the range of opportunities it offers employees to upskill and progress beyond the scope of their existing jobs. “If you are willing, you can easily collaborate with other departments and positions,” said Michalina Milczarczyk, a project finance controller based in Huawei’s European headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany. “For me, this is a great opportunity to grow as a person and keep an open and creative mind.” Paul Popescu, who works as an IT product manager for Huawei in Carrières-sous-Poissy, on the outskirts of Paris, echoes this sentiment. He emphasizes the accessibility of managers at all levels, fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration. Opportunities for progression at Huawei are not limited to any specific job role. “You will work with high-level senior managers in your working field, irrespective of whether you are an engineer, IT specialist, or lawyer,” said Guilherme Vargas Castilhos, a corporate lawyer at Huawei in Düsseldorf. Employees at Huawei offices around the world also have the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures and work styles, a skill that is becoming increasingly valuable as global digital jobs become more common. “The fusion of cultures might be one of my favorite parts of working at Huawei,” said Milczarczyk. “I love working together with people from all around the world and I strongly feel that this is how we perform so well.” Castilhos agrees, highlighting the opportunities for interaction with colleagues from China and other European countries, fostering cultural exchange and broadening perspectives. Huawei recognizes that employee well-being is essential for optimal performance. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance through recreational activities and initiatives that encourage employees to pursue their passions and interests. From supporting musical endeavors to organizing group hikes, Huawei fosters a positive and engaging work environment. Huawei’s commitment to talent development extends to its recruitment process. Through its European graduate program, the company provides fresh university graduates with opportunities to explore and identify the career paths that best suit their skills and aspirations. The program includes an intensive six-month training course, followed by 18 months of mentorship and support, allowing graduates to develop their careers and quickly assume roles that align with their chosen fields. Huawei also runs a “Top Minds” recruitment program, which focuses on identifying and recruiting individuals with expertise in the sciences, regardless of their educational background. “At Huawei, we don’t look at length of service or age, but rather at capability and competency,” said Lesley White, deputy vice-president of human resources at Huawei’s European headquarters in Düsseldorf. “You’re encouraged to find the path that suits you and the work that you are passionate about, because we believe that, if you are passionate about your work, then you’ll naturally perform better.” Huawei’s dedication to talent growth and employee retention has positioned the company as a leader in the tech industry. By prioritizing skills development, lifelong learning, and employee well-being, Huawei ensures a motivated and highly skilled workforce that is equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Huawei’s Commitment to Talent Growth and Employee Retention in the Era of Digital Transformation
