Employers' challenges in recruiting, hiring and retaining workers extend well beyond the fallout from the "Great Resignation," leading many to engage in a thorough rethinking of the institution of work, according to new research from CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce.

CompTIA's annual "Workforce and Learning Trends" report reveals that 73% of human resources (HR) professionals expect hiring to become even more challenging over the next 12 months, and two-thirds believe that persistent hiring constraints may become the new normal.

"Hiring and talent development practices that worked a decade ago are no longer adequate in an era of digital transformation and rapid innovation," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA.

"What is needed is a comprehensive examination of how companies are preparing, recruiting and retaining employees," Thibodeaux continued. "That includes reimagining educational models to keep pace with new skills requirements; modernizing outdated evaluation and hiring criteria; recruiting from the full pool of available workers; and putting people in positions that make the best use of their skills and talent."

HR executives expect to devote more attention and resources to reskilling and upskilling current employees. More than six in ten believe increasing the skills of existing staff will offset the need for outside hiring and enhance the organization's retention strategy.