Pandemic: The pandemic is likely to continue as the dominant staffing trend this year, albeit in a less aggressive and damaging form than in the past.
It’s unclear when the pandemic will come to an end. But its effects on business and society are increasingly clear to leaders everywhere. Topics that were considered almost niche just two years ago—such as hybrid working models, remote-collaboration tools, and employee vaccination status—have risen to the top of executives’ agendas. Even those long-term hallmarks of business strategy, like innovation and resilience, have taken on a new tenor, and new urgency, in today’s uncertain landscape. The business impact of COVID is far-reaching and deeply felt in every industry. The challenge for organizations is to weather the current storm while charting a course for the future.
Increase in Cost: Drivers of increased costs for temporary staff this year include higher rates of inflation; supply/demand issues; the cost of meeting Covid-19 employment requirements; and increases in minimum wages and other expenses. Availability of funds is also very critical.
Remote Working: Remote working has become a new norm in many sectors. There is a big advantage to recruiters to hire exceptionally good people beyond the geographical boundaries.
Work from home (WFH) criterion and improved communication technologies have lifted many physical barriers between good employers and a quality workforce. It’s boosting global hiring and helping companies to improve their deliverables to clients. Many expansion programmes which were shelved due to the non-availability of the desired talent are now possible due to the flourishing WFH culture. Organizations quick in adopting the advanced HR-Tech are the biggest beneficiary of this emerging trend.
Technology in HR Space: Digital technologies have simplified many of the HR functions, including hiring and onboarding. With AI and SaaS-based staffing solutions, the modern-age HR managers are helping organizations in finding the right candidates at the right cost. Now, right from the job posting on virtual networking platforms to onboarding of the selected candidates through video conferencing, all the pre/post-hiring processes are gaining the digital edge.
E-learning and virtual training
After covid-19, companies want to see their employees more adaptable, technologically more proficient, and good at communication skills. Keeping in mind people’s safety and budget constraints, businesses are now switching to e-learning programmes. Using e-learning training modules, employees in any region or time zone can access the tailored training programmes of the industry experts. With this, the organisations can save a lot of money.
Author
Selvaraj Kathirvel, Director at Onerouf Resources Pvt Ltd.
