Risk Overview | 2022 | Human capital, diversity and talent management

This new report, part of the Risk in Focus 2022 publication, produced jointly by twelve institutes of internal auditors and the ECIIA, draws on roundtable debates and interviews with CAEs across Europe to explore the key issues for organisations and for internal audit teams and to suggest questions and actions that CAEs and their teams can use to raise awareness in their businesses.

Each year, Institutes of Internal Auditors from across Europe and the ECIIA collaborate to survey and interview chief audit executives (CAEs) to produce the Risk in Focus report, highlighting the most important risks for the year ahead. This year, human capital, diversity and talent management rose to its highest position ever when it was cited by 40% of CAEs across Europe as one of their top five risks for 2022. 

People with technology expertise have been in critically short supply for many years. The skills crisis has widened dramatically and organisations in all sectors and locations are struggling to find people at all levels and with a huge range of skills. It is clear that organisations need to find new ways to attract and retain talented employees and invest in training and education.

Corporate reputations matter more than ever. Organisations that have already worked hard to improve their equality, diversity and inclusion will reap the benefits as they are able to reach out to larger pools of potential employees and to attract those who leave employers they perceive as unsupportive or unable to offer them opportunities. Those that have not will have more limited options and must scramble to catch up.