In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the way we work, and with this came a landslide of challenges businesses had to face head-on. In meeting those challenges, one in particular presented the greatest hurdle for employers: hiring and retaining talent. This means that hiring practices have had to shift along with these emerging needs, and along with it, the priorities of the recruiters.
What Has Changed in 2022?
To keep it simple, a lot.
Up to 67% of businesses reported that there were many more changes to long-term management practices than in a normal year (not including temporary pandemic-era adaptations).
Over 50% of businesses said that remote work increased their willingness to use freelancers. What’s most noteworthy is the shift in how employers approached recruitment as well as how jobseekers sought employment.
The Randstad workmonitor report for 2022 stated that the top priorities of present-day jobseekers are:
Attitude: A fulfilling work experience is a major priority to Gen-Zs and Millennials around the world.Values: Jobseekers want organisational values to align with their personal ones.Empowerment: Due to fierce competition for skilled talent, employers now must reassess whether they’re offering both monetary and non-financial incentives.Flexibility: Job flexibility is here to stay, thanks to the pandemic — be it remote work, hybrid models, hourly models, or even work arrangements, jobseekers care about the flexibility of their jobs.Self-improvement: 88% of respondents said they would engage in learning and development programs, if given the opportunity.
The report also states that “56% of the youngest generation said they would quit a job if it was preventing them from enjoying life.” Additionally, recent studies show that companies with a higher level of cultural diversity see boosted sales and profits. This pairs with the fact that 49% of recruiters say candidates ask them about their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. 
