Events industry recruitment agency, YOU Search and Select, has revealed the second in a quarterly series of recruitment trends. According to its founder Robert Kenward, employers are taking recruitment into their own hands.
What have we seen in April – June 2023?
1) A shift in hiring mindset
The prevailing sentiment among event agencies has shifted towards caution, moving away from the last quarter’s enthusiasm for recruitment. With developments in the event tech sector and global market fluctuations, many agencies are adopting a more hesitant approach.
Rather than immediately replacing departing employees, companies are now taking a pause to evaluate their recruitment needs more carefully. This cautionary approach has resulted in a lack of new roles being created and fewer professionals filling vacant positions.
Additionally, more organisations are attempting to handle recruitment in-house, which has led to mixed results, emphasising the importance of strategic recruitment partnerships.
2) The rise of internal recruitment
There is a growing perception among employers that the job market has shifted in their favour, leading to a resurgence of internal recruitment efforts.
Personally, I don’t like the term ‘employer led’ because it implies that recruitment is a battle of employers VS employees whilst it should be everyone working together for the common good. This perception of an ‘employer led’ market has empowered some organisations to rely less on external recruiters and take on the recruitment process themselves, perceiving it as a cost-saving measure.
However, this trend neglects the strategic value and expertise that professional recruiters provide. It is important to recognise that successful recruitment requires more than simply sifting through CVs. Employers who take on recruitment without the necessary skills and resources may find themselves struggling to attract and retain the right talent.
3) Work-life balance matters
Flexible working arrangements have gained increased attention within the events industry. Employers are recognising the importance of providing work-life balance and accommodating employees’ individual needs.
However, true flexibility extends beyond remote work options and encompasses a focus on work output rather than physical location. Companies need to develop comprehensive flexibility policies that consider various aspects, including primary childcare responsibilities, caring for dependents, and diverse personal circumstances.
By creating inclusive and adaptable work environments, employers can attract and retain top talent while enhancing employee well-being and satisfaction.
