DCI’s Talent Wars Research Featured on NPR’s “Think”

We’re excited to share that DCI’s Talent Wars research was recently featured on “Think,” the nationally syndicated talk show from NPR Dallas.  

Patience Fairbrother, DCI’s Senior Vice President of Talent Attraction, joined host Krys Boyd for an in-depth conversation, titled “Where skilled workers want to live,” about what drives talent relocation and how communities can attract skilled workers in today’s competitive landscape. 

During the interview, Patience discussed the findings from DCI’s Talent Wars study, which reveal that practical factors—like cost of living, housing affordability, and public safety—consistently outweigh nightlife, weather, or political climate when people decide where to live and work. The conversation also explored the impact of remote work, the evolving priorities of Gen Z and millennial workers, and the importance of regional collaboration in talent attraction. 

 Key takeaways from the interview include: 

• Labor shortages are the new normal across industries, driven by demographic shifts and changing workforce expectations. 

• Cost of living and housing remain the top priorities for workers considering relocation, regardless of age or occupation. 

• Quality of life and proximity to family are major motivators, but jobs still drive relocation, with more than 60% of people unwilling to move without a job in place. 

• Regional marketing and infrastructure investment are essential for communities hoping to attract and retain top talent.

Patience also highlighted how DCI advises communities to “own the narrative” around safety and quality of life, ensuring accurate information is available online for prospective residents. The interview underscored the importance of targeted, data-driven strategies for talent attraction in today’s dynamic labor market. 

Listen to the full interview and learn more about DCI’s Talent Attraction services to discover how your community can stand out in the global battle for talent.