UK employers are starting to feel hopeful about getting back to business, recovering from the past two years and preparing for a bounce back.
However, we’ve noticed some key trends emerge over the past few months - new challenges and opportunities that we think will be around for the foreseeable future.
1. A Candidate-driven market
One of the most significant changes in recruitment and one that has impacted all industries across the country is the worldwide candidate shortage. From speaking to both our candidates and clients, we see four key factors behind this:
Increased need for job security in an unstable market
A surge in new startups across the country as the pandemic unemployed became the self-employed
Intense demand and competition for the best talent as businesses reopen
Visa restrictions post-Brexit decreases the pool of candidates across all industries
As candidates continue to hold the power, we see them continuing to negotiate better salaries and working conditions.
As clients struggle to find, attract and retain the right people, a capable recruitment partner is more critical than ever before. Investing in your team, building their skills, and empowering them to do great work continues to be vital.
2. Employer branding is crucial
With candidates now calling the shots, how your business is perceived to the workforce has become a critical element of recruitment and retention strategy. The more information candidates have about the company and its mission, culture and purpose, the more likely they are to have a positive impression and apply for the job. In addition, a strong employer brand can lead to a 28% reduction in staff turnover.
Having a recruitment partner beside you who can advise you on how to improve your employer brand will be crucial in finding the best candidates for your business.
3. Training talent is a must
Training and development opportunities will become a key element to attracting and retaining the country’s top talent as we move forward. Progression paths should be highlighted with policies and procedures around recruitment, training, retention, and promotion made clear and understandable.
4. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion needs to be a key focus
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are no longer buzzwords or nice-to-haves. It’s an absolute priority that shapes both how your business functions and how your employer brand is perceived. As we enter the new world of work, leaders have moved Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to the top of their agenda. Over the last year alone, DEI job postings have risen by 123%, and there’s no sign of a slow down. In fact, a recent Gartner survey reveals that diversity, equity, and inclusion now rank in HR leaders’ top five priorities for the coming year.
If you want to attract and retain the best candidates, you will need to ensure that you have DEI policies and practices in place to make you a more attractive workplace for candidates to consider.
Celebrating our resilient clients
More than anything else, the past two years have shown us just how resilient and adaptable our clients really are. Our clients are finding ways to survive and thrive in the face of obstacles that have been thrown at them, and we’re confident you can do the same, whatever this year brings.
If you’re looking for a recruitment partner that can help you navigate the current challenges facing the industry, get in touch and see how we can help you.
You can get in contact with our specialist recruitment team on our website, by calling 020 7101 1633 or popping into our office (find us here). We’re with you every step of the way as you build your team.