20 Dec Staffing Trends to Watch in 2024
In 2024, the staffing and recruiting industry is expected to undergo significant changes amidst several key staffing trends. The events of 2023 have shown that this industry is evolving and breaking away from traditional norms. Both business leaders and workers are now faced with the question of what the future holds for staffing. The upcoming trends in talent acquisition and management will shape how we approach staffing. This includes seeing staffing agencies as more than just service providers, but as architects of success. Additionally, the power of generative AI will have a transformative impact. This year will also focus on HR technologies, flexible working options, upskilling, and preparing for potential industry changes.
As we approach the end of 2023 and look forward to 2024, it’s important that we take a look at some of the biggest staffing trends and factors that play into the industry so you can stay on top of your recruiting strategy for the next year!
What Did the Staffing Industry Look Like in 2023?
Reflecting on the last year, 2023 witnessed a bit of a decline in year over year value, according to the U.S. Staffing Industry Indicator. As of the week of December 9th, US Staffing was down 10% from 2022, but was showing progress week over week after the Thanksgiving holiday, going up 8.6% percent. Professional staffing hours were down 6% and commercial staffing hours were down 11%. While there has been a decline in the industry, there is still positivity among employers and experts that the industry could see a bounce back in 2024 for a number of reasons and staffing trends.
Using Staffing as a Strategic Asset
In 2024, using staffing agencies strategically will be crucial for successful business operations. It’s not just about filling job vacancies, but about aligning staffing decisions with overall business goals. By working closely with staffing partners, businesses can access specialized skills for short-term projects, handle demand fluctuations, and adapt quickly to market changes. This approach ensures a flexible workforce and positions staffing as a key part of organizational planning and success.
Growing Use of Generative AI
The staffing sector is very much a part of the technological revolution that is happening in the job market. Generative AI and machine learning is one of the staffing trends being used in talent acquisition to change how candidates are assessed and connected with job opportunities. Generative AI algorithms can analyze big datasets to identify patterns and predict candidate success, leading to more accurate and efficient hiring decisions. Adopting AI-driven solutions helps businesses streamline the hiring process and make it more data-driven, ensuring objective and merit-based selection. The main question is how businesses can work to remove artificial intelligence bias from this system when looking for the best candidates.
Advancements in HR Technologies
The HR landscape is experiencing rapid changes, and 2024 is expected to see increased adoption of advanced technologies. Businesses are investing in HR technologies that improve efficiency and employee experience, such as automated onboarding platforms and performance tracking tools. These tools not only streamline administrative tasks but also enable HR professionals to prioritize strategic initiatives, fostering a more dynamic and responsive organizational culture.
Pay Transparency
The modern workforce desires increased pay transparency. They prefer job postings that include salary details. They want roles that clearly state the salary range. This reflects a change in the employer-employee relationship. It is driven by a desire for fairness and open communication. Job seekers in 2024 recognize the value of their skills. They seek employers who acknowledge this and provide clear compensation information. When organizations respond to this demand, it fosters trust and promotes workplace equity. It ensures that employers and employees mutually understand and respect each other’s value.
Flexible Working Options
The post-COVID era is changing the way businesses work and many businesses are still adopting to both fully remote and hybrid working environments. In 2024, flexible working options like hybrid and remote models will still continue to grow among teams. They promote work-life balance, cut costs, and allow access to diverse talent on a larger geographical scale. These arrangements show a shift in businesses’ view of office spaces, focusing on adaptability and employee well-being.
Upskilling and Reskilling Employees
Businesses in 2024 will need to be prioritizing internal talent development through upskilling and reskilling programs. They understand the importance of investing in their current workforce instead of relying solely on external hires, which can end up reducing costs in the long term and retaining highly skilled employees. By offering skill development and career progression opportunities, companies can address skill gaps more efficiently and create a more engaged and loyal workforce. This focus on employee growth fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
A Growing Labor Force
The labor market is looking to grow substantially in 2024. With a new wave of workers coming into the market and flooding the talent pools, it’s going to be crucial for businesses to not only look for the best employees for their open roles, but it will be critical for them to retain their best employees from being courted away from them. Despite the growth in the talent pipelines and the shift from the talent shortages we’ve seen in recent years, skilled candidates are going to be in high demand. The recruiting landscape in 2024 is looking to shape out to be an aggressive one.
Potential Strikes and Global Economic Outlook
Businesses should be aware of external factors that could affect the job market, such as industry strikes and the global economic outlook, including inflation. These variables can have a significant impact on staffing dynamics, so it is important for businesses to stay informed and adaptable in order to navigate potential disruptions and maintain workforce management strategies.
Utilize Scion Staffing as your Staffing Partner in 2024!
Looking for a staffing partner to help your organization maximize potential in 2024? Look no further than Scion Staffing! We excel at facilitating successful placements and prioritize building strong relationships with all of our candidates. Our award-winning national staffing and recruitment services are dedicated to helping job seekers and employers find specialized, highly skilled employees and outstanding roles in their respective fields. Whether you’re a job seeker or a business in need of exceptional talent, we can be your trusted partner in talent acquisition and help you find qualified candidates for your in-demand roles. Visit our website to start a search for specialized staff with Scion Staffing!
About the Author
Patrick Chiotti (he/him) is an accomplished SEO writer and is currently the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Scion Staffing, bringing years of experience in SEO knowledge and a passion for writing to the Scion team. With additional experience in customer service roles, retail, and accounting, Patrick brings a unique set of knowledge and skills to his role while sharing the passion to continue learning about a wide range of topics so he can share his voice to a larger audience. Outside of Scion, Patrick spends his time as a football coach at the high school level and is passionate about teaching the game, while remaining a student to it. He is also a husband and father, and enjoys fitness, as well as a passion for cooking amazing food.
