This article accompanies Perfecting the Hi-Pos.

U.S. companies are having difficulty attracting employees with critical skills, according to Towers Watson's recent report, Leading Through Uncertain Times.

Companies are taking longer to fill these positions, and more remain open, according to the report, which notes there is a "disconnect between what employers think will attract critical-skill employees and what employees themselves say they want."

See also the key findings of the report.

Also, check out these charts to explore some of the significant differences between employees? reasons for leaving a company and what employers think cause departures. "Employers tend to overestimate the importance employees place on their relationship with their supervisor while underestimating the lack of trust and confidence in senior management, work-related stress, production expectations and long work hours. Indeed, employees report that work-related stress and poor work/life balance are key reasons for leaving their organizations," according to the report.

The full report is available on the Towers Watson website.