The balance between employers and job seekers is always changing, but 2022’s shortage of candidates really gave job seekers an advantage. A lot of employers struggled to find people to feel their roles, which gave job seekers the freedom to be specific and demanding about what they wanted from a position. Though things have certainly evolved since then, 2023 is likely to still prove problematic for hiring businesses and their ability to recruit. Below, we have taken a look at the hiring trends that employers should be paying attention to this year.
Ongoing Hiring Challenges - There are a lot of hiring challenges facing employers in 2023, including an ageing population, a shrinking workforce and long term sickness. To overcome this, employers must make their roles attractive. With candidates having a lot of job options, it’s important to make your job stand out as one that offers more. This could mean offering enhanced benefits or paying an above average salary.
Attracting Talent with Benefits - Though pay matters, benefits are what encourages a candidate to choose one position over another. Flexibility is what a lot of people are looking for in the workplace - especially those who have children or someone they care for, and those who have taken on another job to help weather the cost of living crisis - and offering remote working opportunities
Retaining Employees with Happiness - Employee happiness is key when it comes to hiring, as good reviews and recommendations about the company could be all it takes to convince a candidate to apply. Plus, happy candidates are less likely to consider looking for a job elsewhere. An increasing number of people are walking away from jobs if they feel it would impact their happiness and wellbeing, so retaining employee happiness is vital to hiring and retaining top talent.
Embracing Remote Working - Since the start of the pandemic, a growing number of people have turned to remote working. This is something that is unlikely to go away any time soon, and employers need to embrace this. A lot of candidates are purposely seeking roles with remote working and hybrid working flexibility, and a lot of companies are offering just that. As an employer, embracing remote working will help to attract candidates and widen the talent pool. Plus, remote working has a range of benefits such as boosted productivity and improved employee happiness.
Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion - There was a rise in workplace diversity and inclusion in 2021, but this slipped in 2022. As more Gen Z individuals enter the workforce, it’s important for employers to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity, equality and inclusion can make a company an attractive place to work, especially if employers are going above and beyond other companies in the industry.