homepage | 2024 Future of Hiring Trend Forecast
November 14, 2023
November 14, 2023
Sponsored by Employ Direct Group.
“The US job market is undergoing a major transformation as we enter the new year. While some sectors are still recovering from the pandemic and its aftermath, others are facing new challenges and opportunities in the changing world of work,” says Employ Direct Group Chief Executive Officer Lydia Johnson.
Johnson identifies several key trends that will shape the future of hiring in 2024.
“DEI is a strategic imperative for organizations that want to succeed in today’s world. DEI initiatives can help improve innovation, performance, reputation, and social impact,” says Johnson.
Most HR leaders surveyed by Gallup (97%) report that their organization has made changes to improve DEI, but many employees feel differently. However, just over a third (37%) of employees strongly agree that their employer has made changes to improve DEI in their workplace.
Job seekers in interviews may want to inquire about recognition programs and company culture at prospective employers. Gallup’s findings show that recognition matters and is tied to a sense of equity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
From Gallup, “Employees who strongly agree that they receive the right amount of recognition for the work they do are four times more likely to perceive their workplace as inclusive, and seven times more likely to perceive it as equitable compared to those who don’t receive the right amount of recognition.”
Employers seeking to improve DEI in the workplace have several options to learn more and implement sustainable change. Making strides in DEI can increase appeal among job candidates and reinforce retention among existing employees.
“The pandemic-induced labor shortage and the Great Resignation have given candidates unprecedented leverage and power in the job market. Looking ahead, employers will have more control and influence in hiring decisions. Candidates will have to compete more for fewer opportunities,” says Johnson.
Layoffs in 2023 in IT, media, and other industries have changed the dynamic as well, making it more challenging for job seekers.
Upskilling is a practical way for job seekers to learn valuable new skills and prepare for new opportunities.
“Technology will continue to play a bigger role in streamlining and enhancing the hiring and recruitment process. More employers will adopt automation and AI tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and quality of hiring,” says Johnson. “Automation and AI can help reduce bias, save time and cost, and improve candidate experience.”
Seventy-two percent of Fortune 500 chief human resource officers envision AI replacing jobs in their organization in the next three years, according to Gallup’s recent survey of 135 leaders. Leaders foresee using AI to increase efficiency and effectiveness, improve decision-making, and realign work so employees can focus on strategic thinking.
However, Gallup surveys of U.S. employees find a workforce unprepared to adapt. More than half of employees (53%) say they don’t feel prepared to work with AI, robotics or other advanced technologies, according to Gallup.
These figures point to a disconnect between HR leaders and the workforce. Many professionals face a rapidly changing environment where AI impacts various industries and jobs. Workers can prepare and adapt through reskilling and education.
Johnson shares more tips to help be prepared for hiring trends in the job market.
“Some employers are still playing catch up in 2023 and it is quite possible to land a new job before the new year,” says Johnson. “Job seekers may find success with employers where shortage trends persist, and qualified candidates continue to be harder to find.”
According to Employ Direct Group, financial activities, government, healthcare, and information are sectors that continue to face labor shortages.
“Exploring employment within these sectors may present an opportunity to job seekers still wanting to accept an offer in 2023 and those job seekers who are looking for a career change,” Johnson says.
No matter the timing of your job search, training is a practical way to keep skills sharp and competitive.
Employ Direct Group places talent nationwide in all fields and professions from entry-level to executive. Core competencies include Direct Hire, Contract to hire, Temporary, and Temporary to Hire positions.
EDG delivers the market’s top talent to employers. “We value the importance of learning our client’s business, goals, corporate culture, and specific personnel/skill requirements and addressing their needs with a customized recruitment plan,” says Johnson.
Employ Direct Group is invested in a company’s needs to foster a supportive, diverse, and inclusive work culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction.
“Our flexible approach and partnership with UMKC TalentLink demonstrates our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of a company’s workforce,” Johnson says.
The first step begins with finding skilled talent. Companies with skilled employees stay agile, prioritize employee well-being, and reap the rewards of a more engaged, motivated, and productive team. Johnson says, “Every new solution we create is to help you find, hire, and manage great talent.”