7 Recruitment Trends for 2024

7 Recruitment Trends for 2024

• 1.Investment in Digitisation and AI
• 2.Shift from Job Titles to Skill-Based Roles and Skills-First Mindset
• 3.Broader data literacy across all roles
• 4.Employers need to become educators
• 5.Gen Z is coming
• 6.Flexible benefits
• 7.Importance of empathy

Investment in Digitisation and AI

Research from the Bank of England suggests that despite ongoing concerns about the economy, companies across all industries view digitisation and AI as the main drivers for investment in 2024.

Shift from Job Titles to Skill-Based Roles and Skills-First Mindset

The nature of employment is presently going through a significant transformation. The traditional job roles defined by titles are gradually being replaced by a more dynamic approach, which is centred around skill-based roles and a skills-first mindset. In the past, job titles were the core of employment, suggesting a fixed set of responsibilities and skills associated with each role. However, the emergence of AI is reshaping this framework by automating and transforming many tasks that were previously integral to specific job roles. We are now witnessing an emerging trend where jobs are increasingly viewed as a collection of tasks, rather than a monolithic role defined by a title. 

This evolution calls for a shift in focus: it is no longer just about the job title one holds but the specific skills required to perform these evolving tasks. This shift is not just redefining how we view jobs but also how we prepare for and excel in them. LinkedIn’s recent report on skills has indicated that a skills-first approach will benefit employers, and the report has highlighted the following key metrics.

Broader data literacy across all roles

With more and more companies integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in their work, the demand for skills in handling data is increasing in various job areas. This is because AI systems require a large amount of data to function effectively. People in diverse fields, not just those in technology, are discovering that they need to comprehend how to work with data. This involves the ability to analyse data and make sense of it, as well as having a fundamental understanding of how AI operates. These data skills are becoming increasingly essential in many fields, such as marketing, finance, and healthcare. It’s not only about new jobs that are solely focused on data but also about changing the skills necessary for many existing jobs. In summary, having a good grasp of data is becoming a critical component of success in a world where AI is becoming more prevalent.

Employers need to become educators

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the way we work, it becomes crucial for individuals to continuously learn new skills to stay relevant in their jobs and advance in their careers. With AI assuming more tasks, certain skills may become less necessary while others, particularly those that AI cannot perform, like creativity and interpersonal skills, will become even more valuable. Careers will not follow a linear path but will change often, and people will have to learn new things frequently. It’s essential to have a positive attitude towards these changes and to view them as opportunities to grow. This isn’t just about learning technical skills or how to work with AI but also about improving personal skills, such as leadership and adaptability to new situations.

As these changes take place, it’s not solely up to individuals to keep up. Employers will play an essential role in helping their employees learn and develop by providing training that aligns with what is required in an AI-enabled workplace. Schools and other educational institutions may also modify their curriculum to concentrate more on the types of skills that will be valuable throughout different jobs and challenges over a lifetime.

Gen Z change the workforce

Did you know that Generation Z represents 30% of the world’s population? By 2025, they are predicted to make up 27% of the workforce. This group is the first to grow up with the internet as an integral part of their daily lives, demonstrated by the UK’s digital habits.

As an employer, it’s important to recognise that Gen Z has different attitudes, priorities, communication styles, and ways of working. To effectively engage and retain this group, it’s essential to embrace technology and innovation, use multiple communication channels, foster work-life balance and flexibility, prioritise mental health and well-being, value authenticity and transparency, and offer opportunities for growth and development.

In the long run, we anticipate that Gen Z will drive a shift away from traditional CVs as the primary method of demonstrating skills and experience.

Flexible Benefits

The change in workforce demographics has also led to changes in what candidates value.  With 10+ years building teams at Data Idols all my candidate conversations used to follow the below critical information:

• 1. Salary
• 2. Location
• 3. Job Title

Now, candidates are shown to value different benefits, employers that focus on the below in 2024 will continue to benefit:

• 1. Flexibility
• 2. Progression and Development
• 3. Will I work with great people
• 4. Rewards and benefits

The increasing importance of Empathy

The advent of AI in the workplace brings with it a renewed emphasis on empathy as a critical human skill. As AI systems and automation become more integrated into various aspects of work, the unique human ability to empathise gains prominence. This is particularly evident in how we manage human-AI collaboration. While AI can optimise and automate many tasks, it lacks the innate human capacity for emotional understanding and connection. Therefore, in environments where AI handles data-driven tasks, human empathy becomes essential to bridge the gap, ensuring that these technological advancements are aligned with human values and needs.

Moreover, as AI transforms job roles and structures, empathetic skills become crucial in supporting employees through transitions, whether it involves adapting to new ways of working or retraining for different roles. Empathy in leadership is key to addressing the anxieties and challenges that such changes can evoke. In customer-facing roles, AI’s limitations in handling complex emotional interactions further highlight the importance of empathy. An empathetic approach ensures a level of customer service that AI alone cannot achieve. Lastly, as AI takes on more decision-making roles, the need for empathetic human oversight intensifies, particularly in ethical considerations and understanding the broader human impact of these decisions. In summary, in an increasingly AI-driven work environment, empathy stands out as a vital human skill that complements and enhances technological advancements.