2018’s 5 Hottest Recruitment Predictions

Technology in the workplace continues at a breakneck pace but in HR you may well find you face the same problems as you always have done; namely how to find top talent and then place those people in the right roles. You’re also facing the ongoing issues of internal employee challenges, all while maintaining a work environment that is not only productive but also complies with employment laws.

 

With 2018 now full steam ahead, we’ve taken a look at what a number of  industry professionals forecast for HR in the year ahead and have narrowed these down to five main predictions.

What are the top 5 recruitment predictions for 2018?

1. Candidate experience
2. The use of A.I. in recruitment
3. Diversity and inclusion
4. Employee experience / workplace wellbeing
5. The need for recruiters to think like marketers

 

Let’s take a look at these predictions one by one.

 

Candidate Experience

Industry leaders are in agreement that the candidate experience is crucial to helping you promote your company as a great place to work. They argue that great branding and a highly perceived image will amount to little if the candidates who walk through your door are subjected to long or complex application processes and a lack of confirmation or rejection emails. Candidates, whether they’re in the running or not, value communication. After all, wouldn’t you rather have a rejected candidate walk away gutted that they didn’t get the job rather than relieved?!

 

Artificial Intelligence

 

Love or loathe the idea, robots are here to stay with HR industry insiders predicting that 2018 will be the year Artificial Intelligence impacts upon the recruitment process. Automation is nothing new, but A.I. takes hiring staff to the next level. Not only does it make the entire process more efficient but, crucially, it creates an unbiased environment in which candidates are interviewed and selected for their skills, rather than for factors such as their age, race or gender.

 

Diversity and Inclusion

 

In a similar vein, diversity and inclusion in the workplace are also being touted as one of 2018’s key recruitment topics with many companies using A.I. or manual solutions to ensure job descriptions don’t include exclusionary language and that candidates are screened and interviewed without unconscious bias. Are you one of the organisations who already has a diversity initiative in place, or will you be adding this to your to-do list for 2018?

 

Employee Experience & Workplace Wellbeing

 

Staying with technology, there’s no escaping the fact it makes our lives easier – both for leisure and work. Employees can now remotely work from home, staying in contact with colleagues and clients is easier than ever (some might argue it’s too easy!) and wellbeing-centric technology is helping to push forward-thinking companies…well, forward with programs designed to nurture staff and ensure a richer working experience. The results are clear: happier employees are less likely to cause headaches for HR (and are more productive), and you’ll have a greater chance of attracting high quality candidates. It’s a win-win!

 

Think Like a Marketer

 

In this increasingly competitive marketplace it’s no longer enough to sit back and hope your industry’s top talents will come knocking on your door. Progressive companies aren’t posting print media ads; they’re actively working to attract the brightest and best through recruiters, and their social media channels and online presence in the hope of attracting new blood. Why not try working with your marketing department to ensure that the way you attract candidates is as on point as the way they attract new clients?

 

So there you have it – some food for thought for the coming year ahead?