As we wind down 2021, we thought it would be helpful to share some of our observations about the hiring landscape in our industry. The last two years have been lifechanging, to put it mildly. The pandemic has forced remote working and technological advancements at a rapid pace and we’re seeing all of these impacts trickle down into the clients with which we work every day.
Here are some of the hiring trends we see right now that we expect in 2022 as well:
- An emphasis on flexible work arrangements – Not long ago, many companies were pushed into remote working on no notice, and some companies are slowly making their way back to the office while others have been back for months. We expect moving forward that many candidates will demand more flexibility in their careers. They want to be able to work from home on occasion, which can be a big advantage if looked at the right way. Working from home can increase productivity and save on overhead.
- Seeking soft skills – Certainly in an industry like accounting/finance, technical skills and subject-matter knowledge are critical, but now more than ever, clients are seeking much more than the hard skills. We have seen an increased demand for people who are good communicators, writers, collaborators and problem-solvers. Those skills translate to both the remote and the in-person workplace.
- Opportunity for growth is key – One of the things that makes Denver great is its incredible talent pool, but employers must understand that with quality candidates comes certain expectations for growth. Make sure you have plenty to offer to the candidates you hire. They want the ability to learn and be challenged and will seek this out.
- Creativity in retention is needed – By now you’ve heard about the Great Resignation, wherein millions of burned out and exhausted Americans have decided they no longer want to work the 8-to-5 in an office. There’s no question that in a hot market like Denver, employers will need to think outside the box to keep their employees happy. Flexible work arrangements are likely going to be in demand among candidates but there might be other ways you can boost retention and employee engagement and happiness.
- The process needs to move quickly – One thing we’ve seen throughout 2021 is that the companies that move slowly in their hiring process are the ones that miss out on candidates. That doesn’t mean you should fast-track hiring at the risk of hiring the wrong candidate, but you also need to understand that it’s a competitive marketplace. Tune up your onboarding process to eliminate any bottle necks.
We are looking forward to a great 2022. If TGRP Solutions can help you with your hiring needs, contact our team today!
