Uncertainty surrounds the future of employment laws and freedom of movement following the Brexit vote, and is compounded by a snap election where both major parties are pledging changes to workers’ rights in their manifesto. It’s therefore unsurprising that over a third of business leaders are proceeding with caution in hiring.
A further 21% are cutting back and putting hiring on hold, and the trend for leveraging the new ‘gig economy’ to fill the talent gap, with this figure predicted to rise to 33% in the next six months. But despite this continued access to talent and flexibility in terms of where and how to hire are still key issues, and 43% of businesses continue to hire with confidence.
This is because most businesses see themselves as a ‘people business’ irrespective of sector, and business confidence is massively effected by having a motivated team and the right kind of talent. To make the most of your hiring strategy in the face of current events here are some top tips;
- Align hiring with strategy: Make sure your hiring aligns with your short and long term strategy to ensure greater retention and avoid large scale lay-offs. Examining your company’s goals and what markets you are targeting ensures your hires have the skills and experience to assist long term.
- Flexible employment: Whilst freelancers are brilliant for short-term expertise, offering employees a more flexible work schedule can give your company the benefits of the ‘gig economy’ and permanent employees. Retaining and attracting talent by offering work-shares, flexi-hours and work from home options can benefit both employer and employee.
- Grassroots hiring: With international talent hiring in an uncertain place looking closer to home and ‘growing your own talent’ is becoming more important. One way to do this is by nurturing younger talent by recruiting graduates and investing in apprenticeships, a trend that is growing in hiring practices.
- Training: With specialist skills becoming particularly hard to recruit and worries of the 50+ workforce retiring without the necessary knowledge being handed on making training a bigger part of your employment structure is becoming increasingly important. It also assists with employee retention.
Instead of viewing hiring as a risk and drain on company resources make it part of your long term growth strategy, and make sure it works for both you and your employees.
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