Bryony Gibson, director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, shares her thoughts on the recruitment trends set to shape the year ahead.
If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s to brace ourselves for the unexpected. It’s been a challenging year, especially in recruitment, with unpredictable macro influences and economic pressures testing the market’s resilience.
Looking ahead, there are some key trends to consider if you plan to evolve your recruitment strategy and stay relevant in the face of another dynamic year.
Economic Uncertainty
The November Budget has set the stage for a turbulent 2025. With an increase in the National Living Wage and rising National Insurance contributions from April, businesses are faced with rising costs. Although it’s too early to predict exactly how this will affect the job market, many companies could find themselves adjusting Budgets and streamlining or slowing down the hiring process.
It’s a trend to watch closely, as adaptability will be key to navigating this period of change and ensuring you retain and attract the best people.
Wellness & Flexibility
In 2025, welfare and employee benefits are poised to become more important than ever. The workforce is increasingly prioritising its financial wellness, retirement planning, and support for mental health in their job searches.
In addition, the ongoing hybrid work debate continues to influence recruitment. While some companies are encouraging a return to the office, others remain committed to flexible working. For recruiters, understanding and aligning with people’s personal preferences for financial and work-life balance benefits will be a valuable differentiator.
Investing in Growth
With skills shortages posing a challenge, internal learning and development programs should be high on your agenda.
Companies prioritising personal development initiatives by offering upskilling opportunities, formal certifications, and career progression, will be better positioned to retain talent and bridge skill gaps.
In today’s quickly changing landscape, employees value the chance to grow, personally and professionally. If you’re willing to invest in this area, you can expect to see stronger employee engagement and loyalty.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is no longer a thing of the future in recruitment. Recruiters are already adopting AI-enabled tools to transform back-office roles throughout the industry. In 2025, expect to see the trend continue, streamlining processes from candidate sourcing and screening to analytics-driven decision-making.
For recruiters, the benefits are clear: faster, more efficient data-informed choices. For job seekers, it is not a given that everyone will be happy with the change as it comes with risk. If not managed well, AI can perpetuate existing biases rather than reduce them, inadvertently creating digital exclusion or even discriminatory job advertising.
Rethink Recruitment
As employers look to stand out in a competitive job market, they are adopting a more innovative approach to their recruitment strategies.
Imagine treating candidates like customers. It makes sense, and delivering an excellent recruitment experience is now essential to attract the best people. From well-designed onboarding processes to clear, transparent communication throughout the hiring journey, the emphasis on “customer service” in recruitment is set to grow.
This new ‘candidate-centric’ approach not only attracts top talent but builds a strong employer brand that will benefit long-term growth.
Looking Ahead
Despite another year of challenge and change, there’s plenty to be optimistic about if we embrace our spirit of adaptability.
Start by prioritising your employees (and candidates) welfare. Lean into innovation to thrive. Whether it’s through AI, a renewed focus on learning and development, or by creating a hiring experience that puts the candidate first, the recruitment industry is moving toward a more resilient and responsive future.
Of course, it’s impossible to predict every twist and turn, but what I am absolutely sure of is that in 2025, recruitment will be defined by those brave enough to adapt, flex, and lead.