Recruitment trends change from year to year. But never before have we experienced a year anything like 2020! So what does that mean for 2021? As the ‘new normal’ continues to dominate our lives, what changes can you expect to see in 2021 when it comes to recruitment?
Technology in Recruitment
We’ve all had to quickly adapt to a new way of working. And without technology to support us, the situation we are currently experiencing would be very different indeed. After years of companies talking about increasing flexibility and home working for their teams, the pandemic fast tracked these plans as never expected! But now, after almost 10 months, many of us have embraced the new way of working and will continue to utilise technology in our day to day working lives in 2021 and beyond.
But the increased reliability on technology means that we are likely to see increased demand for digital skills in 2021. Whilst soft skills will always be a recruitment ‘trend’ we will see digital skills becoming more sought after across most sectors.
Technology in recruitment will also be the main focus of interviewing and hiring. According to recent research from LinkedIn – 70% say that virtual interviews will be a standard part of the recruitment process in 2021. Video interviewing has made recruiting during lockdown possible, but even when rules are relaxed again, we are likely to see this trend continue. Did you know that video interviewing can halve your time to recruit! Saving you time and also helping you to secure the very best talent. You can find out more about our video interviewing solution here.
Work Culture
The future of the workplace has arrived. Home working, flexibility, catchment areas – they have all changed for good. Over 60% of remote workers have expressed the desire to continue to work remotely even after the pandemic. But even if 100% remote working isn’t an option for your business, you are still likely to be putting in plans for more flexibility in 2021. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we all want a more flexible approach to work where possible. Employees will want to spend fewer hours commuting – maybe even changing their hours to avoid rush hour in big cities.
The office may no longer be the place that we go to 5 days a week. And, the office function will change for many too. As most companies across the UK have realised that their teams are able to work from home, offices will become more of a meeting place. A place for social connection as opposed to the desk that you sit at to work.
The benefit to businesses is great! You may no longer need the expense of an office. However,, even if you do need an office space, you may find that your costs reduce in many other ways as you offer more flexibility to your teams. Plus, if location is no longer one of the most important recruitment criteria, it opens up your talent pool to a whole new level.
Compensation and Benefits
Priorities have changed dramatically this year. You don’t have to look far to find another report that employees prefer a better work-life balance to a pay rise. Great news for employers that have embraced flexibility. However, there are other things that companies will need to consider when it comes to supporting employees. Particularly when it comes the mental health.
Recruitment will no longer be led by the salary on offer. Other things will take precedence like family friendly working environments, days off for charitable work, health programs and other benefits. The younger generation are certainly looking for companies who share their values and this goes a much longer way than the numbers on their payslip at the end of the month.
How we can help
If you would like advice on recruiting in 2021 we can help. Our expert team have been recruiting for over 20 years and we love to share our experience. So whether its advice on salaries, benefits or utilising technology to recruit, get in touch.
