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The end of the year is the perfect opportunity for an organisation to look ahead and identify where the opportunities lie in the new year.
The dynamic between a company and their workforce, no matter what the set up is a key driver for growth and innovation. How that dynamic is structured and whether it is future proof will depend on your workforce strategy.
The landscape around work has been changing rapidly in the past decade and shows no sign of stopping. The past 5 years have arguably seen some of the biggest disruptions to our working culture since the second world war. As we look toward 2025, hiring trends are evolving rapidly in response to technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing workforce expectations. The landscape of 'work' continues to transform, influenced by a post-pandemic world where flexibility is paramount, and where organizations must adapt to attract and retain top talent. In this environment, companies and their hiring managers play a crucial role in shaping their organizations' workforce strategies.
So, what trends can we expect to see emerging over the next 12 months and how can you equip your business to be ready to thrive on these trends?
One of the most significant trends anticipated in 2025 is the continued rise of freelancing. The gig economy is not merely a temporary solution but a long-term shift in how work is structured. Freelancers provide organizations with a unique opportunity to access specialized skills without the constraints of traditional employment. As businesses increasingly turn to freelancers for their expertise and flexibility, understanding this trend becomes vital for hiring managers looking to secure the talent necessary for their roles.
Here at Freeely we believe the need for innovation in hiring practices cannot be overstated. Hiring managers must foresee the skills required for future roles and adapt their strategies accordingly. This includes embracing technology, refining recruitment processes, and pivotal will be ensuring diversity in hiring, e.g. looking at under utilised talent that can bring a fresh perspective and further innovation to an organisation. At Freeely, we believe our mission to offer a tailored made platform for mothers with professional skills across industries and sectors, offers one of those innovative approaches companies can benefit from.
By leveraging the power of freelancing and adopting innovative approaches, organizations can ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
Hiring strategies in 2025: the key trends that will matter for your organisation
1. Continued Emphasis on Remote and Hybrid Work: Despite intense debate around the concept of hybrid work, the shift to remote and hybrid work models will persist, driven by employee preferences for flexibility and work-life balance and societal expectations in this respect. Both hybrid and office-based working come with their own sets of benefits and organisations that will thrive, understand that both forms need to be incorporated and nourished in a company's culture. To effectively implement a productive work culture, companies may need to develop clear policies and tools to facilitate effective remote collaboration and communication. Workplace flexibility is paramount for creating an inclusive and productive work culture. Eight in ten employees consistently point to greater productivity and reduced burnout as primary benefitsof flexible work offerings. Flexibility is especially important to women, who report having more focused time to work when working remotely.
2. Skills-Based Hiring: Organizations will increasingly prioritize skills over traditional qualifications, such as degrees. This approach allows employers to tap into a wider pool of talent and promotes workforce diversity by focusing on what candidates can actually do.
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Companies will need to continue to place great importance on DEI initiatives in their hiring processes. This involves not only attracting a diverse candidate pool but also fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and empowered. The benefits of incorporating skill sets from a diverse talent pool within an organisation are amongst other higher profitability which can increase up to 21%*.
4. AI and Automation in Recruitment: Hiring processes will likely become more automated, with artificial intelligence being used to screen resumes, identify potential candidates, and streamline initial interviews. This can help reduce bias and improve efficiency in recruitment. The power of AI and automation will however not replace the human touch in recruitment. In 2025, rethinking the human element of talent hiring strategy will regain its importance. Hiring managers can benefit from working with community focused talent platforms like Freeely, to ensure they are setting up their organisation and their workforce for success.
5. Gig Economy and Freelancing: The gig economy will continue to grow, with more companies hiring freelancers and contract workers to fulfill specific projects or roles. This trend allows for greater flexibility and access to specialized skills without the commitment of full-time employment. A stand out development in this respect is the increased activity of workers and especially women. Research shows that they are increasingly turning to extra, freelance jobs through mission driven talent platforms like Freeely, as a means of boosting income and enhancing their wellbeing.
6. Focus on Employee Experience: Organizations will strive to enhance the overall employee experience, recognizing that employee satisfaction directly impacts productivity. This may include tailored onboarding processes, and supportive workplace environments no matter what the structure of the workforce.
7. Mental Health and Well-being Initiatives: Employers will prioritize mental health support and well-being programs as part of their employee value propositions. This includes offering resources like counseling, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements.
8. Upskilling and Reskilling Programs: With rapid changes in technology and job requirements, companies will have toinvest more in upskilling and reskilling their workforce. Providing continuous learning opportunities will help employees adapt to evolving industry trends.
9. Data-Driven Recruitment Decisions: Organizations will have to increasingly rely on data analytics to inform their hiring strategies, using insights to understand talent market trends, candidate performance, and the effectiveness of recruitment channels. Working with partners in this field, including talent platforms will bring the additional benefit of utilising the data collected by these specialised platforms and applying this data to structure and plan the most beneficial hiring strategy.
10. Enhanced Employer Branding: Companies will focus on building strong employer brands to attract top talent. This includes communicating their values, culture, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, making them more appealing to potential candidates. There are various ways for companies to strengthen their brand, by affiliating with the right partner in this respect. Working with a community focused, mission driven talent platform like Work Freeely, will help companies set and communicate a strong set of values to enhance their 'work place' branding
Overall, the workplace trends in 2025 will likely be characterized by a greater acceptance of non-traditional work arrangements, a focus on specialized skills, and an increasing preference for flexibility among both workers and employers. With platforms like Freeely facilitating these connections and enhancing the freelance experience, the future of freelancing looks bright as it reshapes how companies approach talent acquisition and workforce management.
By staying informed and updated on the most prevalent trends for 2025 and adapting your hiring strategies, your company can position itself to attract and retain the talent you need to innovate, thrive and grow in 2025 and beyond.
•Mckinsey report 'Delivering through diversity'
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