The rapid development of digital technology and the advent of the smart era, combined with U.S. tariff policies, present significant challenges for businesses. On April 21, the Central and Southern Taiwan Office of the Workforce Development Agency held the first employer forum of 2023 in Yuanlin, attracting top executives from 44 companies.

During the meeting, experts discussed the role of human resources departments in digital transformation, how to establish a digital recruitment mindset, develop digital transformation strategies, and cultivate key talent. The office also introduced various innovative strategies for talent as well as accessible resources from the Ministry of Labor.

Addressing concerns regarding U.S. reciprocal tariff issues, the Ministry of Labor shared numerous measures aimed at ensuring stable employment, partnering with businesses to create opportunities. This forum centered on the theme of 'Corporate Talent Development and Digital Transformation Strategies.' Industry expert Lan Yu-Sheng emphasized that human resources departments are the engine of corporate digital transformation and recommended that companies cultivate internal digital navigators to foster the simultaneous upgrade of talent and enterprises.

He also noted that in this era of labor shortages, companies must establish a digital recruitment mindset, leverage big data for talent inventory, and adopt diversified recruitment strategies, making good use of middle-aged and female talent. The Central and Southern Taiwan Office encouraged companies to utilize Ministry of Labor resources like the Enterprise Human Resource Enhancement Program to strengthen employees' digital skills and recognize the potential of middle-aged and older workers, as well as women, creating an inclusive and diverse workplace through flexible working hours and job redesign.

Moreover, the office introduced the Ministry of Labor’s measures addressing recent concerns about U.S. reciprocal tariffs, including support for affected businesses to provide functional training with subsidies up to NT$2 million, offering on-the-job training allowances for reduced hours, and wage subsidies for workers affected by reduced hours. Public employment service agencies will provide integrated employment services for unemployed workers impacted by these issues, and various measures will also be available for first-time job seekers, including career counseling, job-seeking allowances, and employment incentives.