Work-life integration and gumption set to dominate recruitment in 2023!
The end of 2022 marks the completion of my third year as a self-employed business owner, and – WOW – what an incredible journey!
As I head into my fourth year (unbelievable!), I wanted to reflect on the rollercoaster that has been the recruitment landscape in recent years and look ahead to the shifts that are expected in 2023 and beyond.
We have all experienced the changes that the pandemic bought about, witnessing friends, colleagues, family, and even ourselves, experiencing a shift in mindset, priorities, and workplace expectations. We have observed incredible rates of movement, from redundancies to employees taking a stand against employers they felt were being unjust.
I have witnessed my own personal transformation, shifting from the traditional corporate world, and becoming an entrepreneur was a bit of a shock at first. It has allowed me to foster the relationships I have needed to help me succeed, and in turn, help those around me succeed too.
My own journey has helped me to recognise these shifts in others, and recruit with a more mindful approach, whilst also consulting my clients on employee expectations – it has been a steep learning curve for everyone!
The days of employers dictating workplace cultures and working expectations are well behind us, with employees now wanting – or rather demanding – more balance in all aspects of their lives.
The call for a work-life integration model continues to ring true across the industry. 2023 will bring with it a further expectation for more fluid working schedules and hybrid working environments. Interestingly, whilst countries around the world have embraced hybrid working with open arms, in the region we are still experiencing high rates of full-time in-office working, and prospective recruits are increasingly turning down roles and interviews for these workplaces.
Financial gain and climbing the corporate ladder are no longer primary drivers for employees. And with more open roles than candidates to fill them, steadfast ‘traditional’ employers are fast losing their competitive advantage.
Simultaneously, employees are expected to bring more to the table, with marketeers no longer being recruited solely for their marketing skills. They must also possess skills in other areas including business development and sales. One important thing that I stress to my clients is that even if an individual does not currently possess all of the required skills, I will match them with someone who has the prowess and initiative to learn them on the job – skills can be taught but gumption is an inherent trait.
In the current competitive, dynamic, and fast-paced landscape, matching candidates with companies requires a more intricate assessment than previously, but the rewards and long-term gains far outweigh the persistence required to find the perfect fit.
