Recruiting Trends 2021: Shaping the Future of HR

Digitalization, Talent Management, and Employer Branding are the buzzwords that staffing agencies need to focus on for the recruiting trends of 2021. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) highlights the importance of these areas. Companies must modernize their structures and adopt smart technologies to effectively implement these trends in their daily operations.

Defining Future Trends in Recruitment

In 2021, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) partnered with the World Federation of People Management (WFPMA) to survey over 6,600 participants from 113 countries about the current state of the recruitment industry. The international study, Creating People Advantage 2021: The Future of People Management Priorities, asked participants to identify from 32 key areas, the ones that will significantly shape the future of recruitment. Three main trends emerged: Talent Acquisition and Management, the evolving Employer Experience and Employer Branding, and the enduring theme of Digitalization.

1. Mastering Talent Management: Efficiently Acquire and Manage

What platforms and channels do people use for job searches, and how do companies engage with potential candidates? Modern recruiting requires adapting to societal changes and technological advances. Leveraging professional networks like XING and LinkedIn benefits both companies and applicants by providing clear insight into each other’s offerings and capabilities.

Fostering Skills for an Effective Talent Pipeline

When candidates list their skills on job platforms and share their resumes, companies can easily evaluate and categorize top talent. Once new employees are chosen, it’s essential to provide the right environment for their growth and career development. This approach builds a successful pipeline for key positions over time. Managing data in HR is becoming more challenging due to the rapidly evolving job market and increasing applicant numbers.

Keeping Top Talent in the Spotlight

To excel in recruitment management and acquiring top talent, agencies should explore various technologies. Through active sourcing, some CRM systems offer streamlined workflows that make the process seamless. Using smart tools, recruiters can better understand the candidate journey and respond effectively to clients.

2. Enhancing Employer Experience and Branding

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed work environments, pushing terms like New Work, Future of Work, Mobile Working, and Home Office into everyday discussions. Companies must now focus on delivering a positive Employer Experience and develop strong Employer Branding to attract job candidates in today’s competitive market. Recruitment agencies should proactively integrate these indicators in their selection process to increase the chances of finding the right match.

Adapting to Remote and Hybrid Work Models

Rethinking outdated work models is crucial for a great Employer Experience. Employees wish to retain the newfound flexibility. Adjustments to Remote Work, Mobile Working, Home Office, or Hybrid Models are necessary to keep employees engaged and committed. Companies that cling to rigid practices risk losing talent to more adaptable competitors.

3. Embracing Digitalization in Recruiting

Digitalization remains a key topic in recruiting. Modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), People Analytics, cloud applications, and Robotics can optimize and streamline workflows. According to the BCG study, many employees seek increased use of digital tools for efficiency at the workplace. This presents a great opportunity to smoothly introduce technological innovations in recruiting.

Wise Use of Digital Solutions

Online job searching is already standard. For successful talent management, companies need to recognize that top talents often have non-linear career paths, bringing diverse skills and experiences. Managing such qualified talent pools requires a modern approach, and appropriate digital tools make it easier to manage the gig economy where temporary contracts prevail. Balancing permanent, freelance, and contract workers is attainable with dedicated software solutions for recruitment.

Partnering for Digital Transformation

Companies often hesitate in digital advancements due to reasons like lack of technical know-how, absence of a digital strategy, or budget constraints. Recruitment firms can seek external assistance from technical service providers who understand daily recruiter needs and can streamline processes efficiently with tailored tools and smart features.

Conclusion

Attracting top talents is both exciting and challenging. The right technologies can simplify processes, making them faster and more efficient. Many companies must take action on future trends like Digitalization, Talent Management, and Employer Branding to remain competitive. Investing in smart technology is crucial for long-term success in the market.

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