JUNE 2023 BLOG – The Future of IT Recruitment: Trends to Watch

Introduction

More than halfway through the year already! Can you believe it? We thought now was a good time to recap on the future of IT recruitment and trends to watch as we move forward in 2023. Now the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the great resignation is still in full swing and creating huge staff turnover and recruitment challenges for many companies. With inflation and the ever-rising cost of living, along with candidates demanding higher salaries, recruitment can feel tough right now.

In this blog we look at the ongoing and emerging trends to help you with your recruitment strategy for the rest of this year.

Increased emphasis on Remote working and interviewing

The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to embrace remote and hybrid work and virtual hiring. As companies have learned that working remotely is not only possible but can also be highly effective, many are considering making it a permanent part of their operations. This means that companies will increasingly look to hire remote employees, rather than relying on traditional office-based workforces.

Employee wellbeing

Employee wellbeing has become a paramount concern in today's workplace and employees are putting a stronger emphasis on their mental wellbeing, particularly after the pandemic. Recognising that a healthy and engaged workforce is essential for productivity and success, organisations that place a greater emphasis on creating a culture of holistic wellbeing will have more success when it comes to recruiting top talent.

Wellbeing goes beyond physical wellness and now encompasses various elements, including emotional, financial, social, career, community, and purpose. Companies need to invest in employee assistance programs, mental health initiatives, flexible working, and ensure a work-life balance to support their employees overall wellbeing. By prioritising employee wellbeing, organisations will not only attract and retain top talent but also foster a positive and thriving work environment that contributes to long-term success for all their employees.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

The adoption of AI and RPA in IT recruitment is on the rise and is revolutionising the way companies attract and hire talent. These technologies bring numerous benefits to the recruitment process, particularly by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. AI- powered tools can quickly and accurately screen CVs, identify relevant candidates, and extract valuable insights from candidate data. This not only saves recruiters significant time and effort but also enhances the efficiency of the recruitment process.

Moreover, AI can assess candidates skills and qualifications, matching them with job requirements and providing a more objective evaluation. It can analyse patterns and trends from large datasets to identify top-performing candidates or predict future job performance. Some AI tools can even conduct initial interviews, using natural language processing to engage with candidates and assess their suitability for the role. By leveraging AI and RPA in IT recruitment, companies can streamline their hiring processes, reduce bias, and improve overall efficiency.

Recruiters can focus their time and expertise on higher-value activities, such as building relationships with candidates, conducting in-depth interviews, and making informed hiring decisions. Ultimately, the integration of AI and RPA empowers recruiters to find the best-fit candidates faster, enhancing the overall recruitment experience for both employers and candidates and companies need to start using it now to get ahead of the curve.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion continue to be important considerations in IT recruitment. Companies are realising the benefits of diverse teams in terms of innovation, problem-solving, and overall business performance. To attract a diverse talent pool, companies need to implement inclusive recruitment practices, ensure unbiased selection processes, and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

Contracting workers

The rise of contract workers is reshaping the IT recruitment landscape. Companies are increasingly relying on contractors, freelancers, and consultants to meet specific project needs, fill skill gaps, and provide flexibility. Hiring contract workers allows companies to tap into specialised expertise without long-term commitments, making it a cost-effective and agile solution.

Conclusion

As we move through 2023, the future of IT recruitment is marked by various trends and challenges. Remote work and virtual hiring are here to stay, emphasising the need for flexibility and adaptability. Prioritising employee wellbeing can be a differentiator in attracting and retaining top talent. AI is here to stay and can improve recruitment processes and efficiency.

Diversity and inclusion should remain at the forefront of recruitment strategies to foster innovation and creativity. Embracing and hiring contract workers can provide businesses with the agility and expertise needed to thrive in a dynamic market. By staying abreast of these trends and adapting recruitment strategies accordingly, companies can navigate the evolving landscape of IT recruitment successfully and support their clients with hiring the best talent out there. How have you found recruitment so far in 2023?

Let us know!