McKinsey research reveals that S&P 500 companies that excel at maximising their return on talent generate an astonishing 300% more revenue per employee compared with the median firm. These top performers are using strategic workforce planning to stay ahead in the talent race, treating talent with the same rigour as managing their financial capital. The article discusses the five best practices used by companies that have faced shifts in demand for occupations, skills upgrades, automation increases and productivity challenges head-on by building a holistic talent plan through strategic workforce planning.