The future of work is shaped by several factors such as automation, AI, and the demand for adaptability. However, according to a recent Gartner report, 45% of HR leaders acknowledge that employees are feeling exhausted from these constant changes. Today, employees are seeking organizations that prioritize their well-being, value their individuality, and invest in their development. The shift in priorities reflects the changing expectations and needs of the workforce in the face of technological advancements.
Let's explore some key trends driving the future of work:
Trend 1: Gaining the trust of your employees
Building trust in your corporate identity is key to attracting the right employees. This means going beyond their belief in your products or mission. It involves amplifying your brand presence on platforms like LinkedIn, effectively conveying the values your organization upholds, and highlighting your unique approach to engaging employees. By nurturing these aspects, you can establish trust with potential hires and make your company stand out from the rest.
Trend 2: Understanding the need to treat candidates as customers
A good employee will always do their homework before applying to a company. As an employer, it's important to have a plan that shows prospective employees their worth from the beginning of the recruitment process. Value their time and let them know what to expect at each step of the recruitment process. This includes showcasing your mission and values, creating an employee referral program, allowing candidates to ask questions, and integrating them into the company culture from the start.
Trend 3: Managers expect more support from their employees
The organizations' demand from managers today has left them completely fatigued. In the new normal, while management expects them and their team to outperform and manage their jobs more efficiently, their team members expect flexibility, many growth opportunities, and a defined sense of purpose in what they do. The age-old approach of managing a team no longer suits the new workforce who have seen it all, from working from home in complete chaos to returning to the office after just adapting to the virtual environment. The need of the hour is to train the mid and senior-level managers who are the touchpoints in almost all teams and ensure that the new training they receive is at par with the kind of pressure they have to deal with daily.
Trend 4: GenZ lacks the basic corporate skills needed in day-to-day jobs
As offices reopen and people return to traditional ways of working, it has become clear that the new workforce needs to prepare for entering the corporate world. This is not just a problem for Gen-Z; everyone's soft skills have been affected by the work-from-home setup. The enthusiasm to return to work and engage with the same level of energy has diminished for many employees. Organizations will need to redefine professionalism and the roles of each employee to address these challenges.
Trend 5: Organizations are enhancing their DEI initiatives
Organizations are working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce that promotes equity and equality. While the meaning of diversity and inclusivity may vary for different companies, most organizations aim to create an environment that supports marginalized groups. Here are some strategies for effective recruitment that HR leaders should follow:
Use social media effectively: Utilize social media platforms to not only promote your brand but also share information about your work culture. Advertise job openings and provide insights into the questions prospective candidates can ask. Discuss the causes your organization supports, your vision for the future, and activities that promote a healthy work culture.
Create job ads that reflect your company’s values: Ensure that your job postings align with your company's values and culture. If your organization values professionalism and continuous learning, reflect that in your job ads. If your company embraces a balance of work and fun, make your job postings lighthearted and enjoyable. This helps prospective employees understand your organization's work style and decide if they want to work with you.
Have an employee referral program: Encourage your employees to refer potential candidates who align with your vision and mission. Employee referrals often lead to finding like-minded individuals who fit well within the organization. You can also incentivize the referral program to encourage more participation and better results.
Get an applicant tracking system: Implementing a reliable recruitment software can streamline the process of finding the right candidate. It not only helps filter qualified candidates but also ensures transparency, keeping both sides informed across the recruitment process.
Make interviews engaging: Avoid asking the same repetitive questions during interviews. Instead, engage candidates by understanding their feedback and what they are looking for in a job. Provide opportunities for candidates to ask questions and even connect them with existing employees if they have inquiries. This involvement helps candidates feel invested in the process and allows you to assess their compatibility with the organization.
During his interview, Sandeep Bharate, the Recruitment Manager at Clairvoyant LLC, was impressed by the insights the top brass shared about the company's growth plans and future vision. Instead of asking stereotypical questions, they provided valuable insights into the company's details. This motivated Bharate to join Clairvoyant.
According to him, Clairvoyant stands out for several reasons. Firstly, the leadership team values and respects individuals regardless of their experience or gender. They listen attentively to ideas and actively seek ways to implement them.
Secondly, the company promotes a culture of learning for all employees, regardless of their role. They don't judge employees based on their past, but rather provide opportunities based on their interests and willingness to invest extra time. Knowledge-sharing sessions are also available free of charge.
Thirdly, Clairvoyant offers candidates meaningful and challenging work. They are transparent about the role, growth opportunities, freedom, learning, and support provided. Employees are encouraged to pursue their interests, and the company offers proper career guidance.
Lastly, the company values its people and ensures expectations are communicated clearly. They respect individuals and provide the necessary support to help them meet expectations. Clairvoyant has employee-friendly policies, such as long-standing work-from-home options and the ability to loan leaves to colleagues in need.
A lot has changed in the hiring landscape in the last three years. Organizations must do more than just stick to the age-old hiring methods to attract great talent. HR leaders and recruiters must constantly come up with the proper methods, ask the right questions, and, most importantly, take the correct feedback during the hiring process for effective recruitment.