Recruitment - What to expect in the year ahead

The year is coming to end in just a few short weeks. As we all celebrate with Christmas and end of year functions few of us are really considering the year ahead. However, in preparation for 2018 we thought we would share some trends you can expect in the new year in recruitment.

Employees, what can you expect next year?

1. The New Norm

Talent with digital, social, data analytics and data-mining skills will still to be in high demand. This won’t slow down anytime soon as automated and data driven marketing continue to grow and become the norm across the industry.

2. Taking Control

Employees will take more control over their own careers and pathways as ambitious talent realise that it isn’t the employers responsibility to build their careers, but their own. Education, mentoring programs and career coaching will become popular as they investigate ways to drive their own careers and fulfill their potential.

3. Changing Focus

Millennials have come to terms with the harsh reality that they will never have the long-term career stability and wealth creation that their parents had. Instead they will focus more on finding happiness, challenge and purpose in their work. They will seek roles and organisations that support this new focus.

For employers 2018 will see…

1. Lower Spend

Employers will continue to decrease the cost of recruiting talent, moving away from traditional means to technology based outsourced models. The implementation of AI, scanning and automated CRM systems will be high on the agenda for many organisations, as they choose to invest in technology that will both streamline and lower costs.

2. Soft Skills in Demand

There has been a growing acceptance that there is a need for soft, intangible skills in employees and potential hires in addition to functional or technical skills. Companies will investigate and struggle with how they can identify and assess these skills. They will also start investing in coaching and training programs that will help build and grow communication, team work, problem solving, emotional intelligence and other soft skills with in their team.  

3. Health & Wellbeing Trending

Employee retention has always been integral to the success of an organisation. This isn’t going to change. Leading organisations will invest in programs that improve overall staff wellbeing and health. Career Planning and coaching, Mental health days, gym memberships, mindfulness rooms are just a few of the things employers will turn to. Increased focus and investment in the health and wellbeing of employees will become key to sustained business success.

2017 has been a year of changes and 2018 will prove to be no different. Technology will continue to disrupt recruitment; top talent will still be in high demand and the world of business will continue to move and change at a rapid pace.

We look forward to working with you all in 2018 and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.