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Writer's pictureDebbie Rakhit

Critical Talent Trends

As we emerge into the post-Pandemic era, the impact of the last three years has left a permanent mark on the talent landscape. This year we see businesses embark on a recalibration of their priorities, strategies and processes when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.

Conversations with clients and programs underway already in 2023 point to key themes emerging in the focus that companies are taking when it comes to the 3 critical areas of talent management – recruitment, engagement and development…



Recruitment

The talent market is tougher than we’ve ever seen it… in 20+ years of recruiting there has never been this kind of pressure in sourcing top talent. Companies that are going to be successful in recruiting the right people are focusing on attraction and engagement:

  • They are clear about who they are and what they stand for and communicate it well to the talent market

  • They focus on building great cultures and encourage their employees to share their experiences.

  • They offer a seamless recruitment process – fast moving yet effective in both parties being able to make well informed decisions AND above all they show respect for candidates

Engagement

The last 3 years have left many feeling burnt out, isolated and anxious. While enjoying the benefits of hybrid work, we feel that we are working harder than ever and are looking for ways to regain balance. Employers are being tasked with taking a greater role in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of employees. Important initiatives we are seeing focus around:

  • Ensuring a clear and authentic EVP (Employee Value Proposition) is supported by a meaningful purpose and values and delivered consistently internally and externally

  • Embedding hybrid working (it’s here to stay!) by creating a culture that support employees to do their best work wherever they are and encourages employees to come together to support culture, communication and innovation

  • Taking a targeted approach to understanding employee needs and preferences and deploying targeted wellbeing initiatives accordingly

Development

The expectation of our employees over the last 3 years has changed enormously – particularly that of Managers and/or Leaders. Not only has the way they engage with and manage their teams fundamentally changed; but they are also being asked to do more with less. Equipping your people with the tools necessary to succeed in this post-COVID environment must be the number one focus of businesses this year.


  • Senior Leaders need to be able to develop and deliver strategic objectives while driving engagement and productivity across the business

  • Emerging Leaders / Managers must drive personal and team accountability by setting clear objectives and deliverables. They need to be able to communicate consistently and confidently, managing conflict with empathy and making difficult decisions when required.


This is obviously a hefty list and the task of delivering against all of the above weighs heavily on the shoulders of many Leaders. Whether you are underway with tackling these challenges with a clear plan in place or are currently working through some ideas of what might work best for your business, we would love to hear how you’re going and what your focus is in driving your business forward this year!

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