Robert Half’s recruitment predictions for 2023

Employment agency Robert Half has released its pick for the top recruitment trends of 2023.

Andrew Brushfield, director of Robert Half, commented on the release: “The workplace trends seen in 2022 have set the stage for hiring trends in the next 12 months. A salary-driven hiring environment, continued demand for workplace flexibility, and more emphasis on a company’s values when selecting jobs will continue to shape the 2023 employment market.”

The eight main trends, as listed by Robert Half are:

1. Rightsizing versus downsizing
2. Increased use of contract talent
3. Salary to drive candidate decisions
4. Demands for workplace flexibility despite in-office employer requests
5. Values-driven jobs selection
6. Economic uncertainty will mean candidates prioritise job security
7. Internal promotions will take priority to fill vacant roles
8. Cyber security skills become a top priority.

According to a statement by Robert Half, employers are slowing down the hiring process and focusing attention on current staff through internal promotion and improved productivity. Coinciding with this, Robert Half said starter wages are set to balance out.

Mr Brushfield stated: “Despite fears of recession and global political uncertainties stirring hesitation in the marketplace, the jobs market is expected to remain buoyant with companies primarily focused on filling vacant roles, boosting performance of existing employees and upskilling their staff – rather than adding expanding teams.”

However, Mr Brushfield noted that those with high priority skills will still have bargaining power: “Salary remains a crucial factor at a time when candidates have substantial power to negotiate their salary. However, candidates need to be realistic around salary expectations. Business leaders are making every hire count, and the big money will only go to candidates with a wealth of experience and knowledge.”

Mr Brushfield continued: “Though companies are taking a conservative hiring approach, many continue to make extra strategic hires for business-critical positions. Business strategies for 2023, which include implementing digital transformation and cyber security initiatives, staying abreast of regulatory reform, and an increased cost-focused approach in the finance sector, are driving ongoing demand for specialised staff in the finance and technology sectors.”

“More broadly, candidates with in-demand skills continue to be in control of the job market, forcing employers to finesse and adapt their attraction and retention strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors,” he added.

Robert Half says flexible working arrangements are still a key consideration for candidates. As reported in a recent HR Leader article, flexibility is a predicted “megatrend” of 2023.

Mr Brushfield said: “The hyper-focus on work-life balance means employees will continue to expect flexible working arrangements. Companies who want staff back in the office need to strike a balance between in-person office days to build corporate culture and collaboration opportunities, while sustaining flexibility to uphold employee work-life balance and employee morale.”

Robert Half says that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) are key ways of attracting young talent.

“Among everything being thrown at candidates as selling points for a business, DEI and ESG have become increasingly important for professionals, especially younger generations. More companies are showcasing DEI and ESG in their recruitment processes, and actively building pipelines for diverse workforces,” said Mr Brushfield.