Bryony Gibson, managing director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, shares the recruitment trends to look out for in 2020.
Well, weve made it through another year where, yet again, political and economic uncertainty has created a difficult environment for many industries. Brexit is still the most contentious topic, but its certainly not the only item on business leaders minds. Cybersecurity and keeping on top of innovation are also top priorities, as well as the everpresent challenge for businesses to recruit and retain the best people.
As we head into a new decade, encouragingly UK employment is at its highest level since comparable records began in 1971. In recruitment terms, this means were operating in a candidate-driven market and, if youre skilled in your profession and looking for a new job, the world is pretty much your oyster right now.
Skills shortages have been employers biggest challenge for a number of years, particularly in the tax and accountancy sector, but they have been hampering more than just recruiters. Productivity and staff morale have also suffered as a result of businesses failing to find the right people with the right skills and character.
Technology, talent and new innovations all combine to make it an interesting time for staffing professionals and, with that in mind, here are five key trends to shape your 2020 recruitment strategy:
1. Flexibility
The majority of office-based workers value flexibility above all else, so, with a shortage of available talent, companies need to become more accommodating in their approach. Provided its genuine, offering flexibility in the workplace will give you the competitive advantage you need when recruiting. A rising trend for home-working and terms and conditions that allow people to integrate their work and personal life are also critical given the rivalry to retain top talent.
2. Hiring for soft skills
With strong competition for skills, coupled with advances in technology suggesting a number of repetitive jobs are soon to be automated, companies should consider hiring on potential as well as experience in order to future proof your workforce. Focusing on soft skills like communication, collaboration and problem-solving, you should aim to hire people you can train and who possess the essential skills to work in positions that are unlikely to one day be replaced.
3. Improving the candidate experience
People expect cutting-edge technology-led experiences in all aspects of life, and its no different for recruitment. The companies that attract the best talent are proficient at creating recruitment experiences that turn potential staff members into new recruits. As a skilled professional with the right attitude, in todays market, you shouldnt have to worry about whether youll be able to find a new job. Its the companies competing for your signature that need to worry, which is why we will see a lot more personalised and engaging recruitment strategies in 2020.
4. Employer branding When youre repeatedly battling with competitors to recruit the same people, you need to differentiate yourself as an employer of choice. Like any brand, your employer brand is a mark of trust and the benefit of building a reputation as one of the most desirable companies to work for is enormous. The top brands stand out in their industries as leaders. They have simple and clearly defined visions and goals, meaning they can sell their organisations aspiration to potential employees much easier than most.
5. Diversity
Increasingly a business issue, companies with greater racial and gender diversity are said to be 35% more likely to have higher financial returns than their respective industry average. Looking ahead, as the number of European candidates has reduced in the UK, the businesses who are able to attract a diverse workforce will reap the long-term benefits in an increasingly competitive market.
Ultimately, business is all about recruiting and retaining great people. In a rapidly changing environment, its easy to become worried about what the future might hold and, while the scarcity of high-calibre people is nothing new, in times of uncertainty, attracting and retaining the very best can be the difference between success and failure, so try not to lose sight of the end goal.
