Wouldn’t it be nice to gaze into a crystal ball and accurately predict what 2022 has in store for recruitment?
If we look at the last 2 years as any indication, recruitment changed overnight. Virtual interviewing and remote work became the norm. With those changes came a new set of organizational challenges.
How do we address company culture? How do we keep our employees engaged? How do we attract new employees?
As the pandemic rages on with new variants, companies must put their best foot forward to “win” in a marketplace that is candidate-driven with a shortage of skilled talent. By developing strong brands, inclusive culture and candidate-centric recruitment, businesses can reap so many benefits.
Address and adapt to these challenges or risk being left behind. As Warren Buffet says,
“It’s only when the tide goes out that you learn who’s been swimming naked”
Candidate Driven Market
Candidates are pickier and much more selective about the jobs they apply for. They are more likely to wait for a job that they truly want, a culture that suits their work ethic/values, with a company that excites them!
Businesses that want to attract the best talent will have to tailor their message to candidates so that it resonates emotionally with them.
Consider the future potential of employees when sourcing, be clear about career tracks, leadership development and offer internal mobility opportunities. These all lend to attracting great candidates but also more importantly in keeping them.
“Remember that engagement starts with the interview!”
Culture
Did your company adapt its culture when the perks were all about coming into the office full time?
Hybrid or fully remote work forced companies to review their approach to employee engagement and modify it.
Companies who develop a strong culture company culture ensure that their team will be SEEN and HEARD by their colleagues and managers. Those employees will be set up for success in their responsibilities and know how their role is valued by both their team and the business, regardless of where they are physically located.
“Those organizations who have strong values and continuously keep their team engaged will be the ones who will win in a competitive market”
Mental Health
Burnout. Is. Real. And business leaders must address it head-on.
In 2020, mental health support went from a nice-to-have to a true business imperative. Looking ahead to 2022 and the stakes will continue to be raised, thanks to a greater awareness of the workplace factors that can contribute to poor mental health and well as the urgency surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Many employers responded with initiatives like mental health days or weeks, four-day workweeks, and enhanced mental health programs-but they’re not enough. Employees need and now expect sustainable and mentally healthy workplaces, which requires taking on the real work of culture change. Companies that simply offer the latest apps or employ catch-all phrases like “well-being” or “mental fitness” are not going to cut it- employers must connect what they say- to what they do.
“Employees need and now expect sustainable and mentally healthy workplaces”
Let’s finally put the stigma to rest and admit that mental health challenges affect us all.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Businesses are realizing that Diversity and Inclusion is not just a “feel-good” initiative, but imperative to their success. This is clear from McKinsey’s Diversity Wins report which shows that more diversity leads to better profitability. Companies within the top 25 for ethnic/cultural diversity on executive teams were 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability.
People want to work for businesses that understand, appreciate, and cultivate an inclusive environment.
“Broadening the definition of what an effective successful candidate looks like can help make sure you’re more inclusive”, says Tony Lee, VP of editorial at SHRM. Thinking beyond the usual searches to include age, disability, neurodiversity, or even consider dropping the requirement of a four-year degree just like IBM, Costco, Hilton, Nordstrom and Bank of America have all done to encourage inclusivity.
In the end, it is clear that the businesses that continually adapt their recruiting strategy to the changing marketplace will be the ones attracting the best talent and will stay one step ahead in 2022.
We LOVE recruiting! If you are planning your 2022 recruiting efforts, then we would love to chat and see how we can help you stay one step ahead!
