Recruitment trends that will shape the workforce in 2023

With the rapid pace of change in the business world, it’s more important than ever for companies to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to recruitment trends.

What worked five years ago may not be effective today, and what is common practice now may be obsolete in a few years.

So, what should businesses be aware of when planning their recruitment strategy for 2023? Here are six key areas to keep an eye on.

1. The rise of the gig economy

More people than ever before are working freelance or on short-term contracts.

Companies are increasingly recruiting for the gig economy, as more and more people are interested in working freelance and taking on short-term contracts instead of permanent roles.

This shift allows workers more flexibility, autonomy, and time to do things they enjoy outside of their 9-5.

However, recruiting talent in the gig economy presents certain challenges, including finding qualified candidates and managing relationships.

For example, some organisations have difficulty tracking project progress, evaluating performance or employing consistent recruiting strategies.

Whether recruiting professionals or freelancers, businesses need to consider how labour trends can help them enhance their recruiting strategies.

Companies that take advantage of the rise of the gig economy can benefit from a larger recruitment pool and greater organisational agility.

2. The need for skilled workers

With technology becoming more and more advanced, companies are looking for staff with specific skill sets.

Recruiting trends have shifted in recent years as technology rapidly advances work around the world.

Companies are now not only looking for people passionate about their work, but also have specialised knowledge and skillsets such as programming, engineering, or design.

Understanding technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality could prove beneficial when applying for jobs. With a growing need for skilled workers across all industries, staying up to date with current trends is essential.

3. The war for talent

As the pool of available talent shrinks, competition between companies to attract and retain top talent will increase.

Recruitment trends in recent years have highlighted a decrease in the talent pool, leading companies to face increasingly strong competition for top talent.

This has caused businesses to get creative in attracting and retaining the best staff. Recruiting strategies have shifted from solely focusing on short-term success to emphasising long-term career development and satisfaction.

Incentives such as competitive salaries, desirable office environments, generous vacation policies, flexible hours, and access to advanced technologies are now commonplace among modern offices. 

The war for talent is intensifying day by day, and it’s essential that organisations continue evolving to ensure they remain attractive employers of choice.

4. The importance of company culture

With so many choices available to job seekers, company culture will be a key factor in determining where people want to work.

In the modern job market, company culture is more important than ever for attracting and retaining talent.

With a vast pool of options to choose from, what a company stands for and how it operates can make all the difference in whether staff leave or stay for the long term.

Several factors go into building a strong culture that people are proud to be a part of, including

• Communicating clear expectations
• Providing opportunities for growth
• Recognising talent and effort
• Offering team-building activities
• Championing diversity and inclusion
• Being a flexible and trustworthy employer

Investing in these areas will ensure that current staff want to stick around and that potential hires are presented with an environment they can’t overlook.

5. The power of social media

Platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor give candidates an inside look at potential employers and can make or break a company’s reputation.

Social media has vastly altered the landscape of job searches.

Candidates have unprecedented access to information about potential employers, which can inform their decisions.

Platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor give them a comprehensive view of a company’s successes and pitfalls, including current and former staff reviews.

Job seekers are increasingly citing social media presence as an important part of their decision-making process when considering where to work.

It also goes both ways: today’s hiring managers must be extremely mindful of their online presence, as it can truly make or break a company’s reputation in the eyes of prospective hires.

To remain competitive in the current market, employers need to understand the importance of having a positive online presence and doing their best to appeal to job seekers.

Investing in these areas will help ensure that companies can land the talent they seek.

6. Keep looking to the future…

Staying ahead of these recruitment trends will give your business a competitive edge.

The gig economy is thriving, and with it comes opportunities for contractors to find interesting jobs and gain valuable experience, all while growing a company’s bottom line.

We know the war for talent has increased, and leading companies need to turn to creative methods of recruitment, such as leveraging social media platforms as a doorway into their organisation. Plus, developing a strong company culture that resonates with potential contractors is going to be crucial moving forward.

Staying one step ahead of these recruitment trends will ensure that your company remain competitive in the job market.

We are staying ahead of recruitment trends

As one of the top recruitment agencies in the industry, Airswift is perfectly placed to support both employers and candidates through this rapidly changing landscape. We understand how important it is for both parties to find the right fit.

If you want to maximise the potential of your job search or scouting for the best hires for your business, get in touch with our team of talented recruiters today and tap into a new world of employment possibilities!