Top 10 Staffing Trends to Watch in 2024

Top 10 staffing trends

1. Remote work and hybrid work models

Remote work has become the norm, and in 2024 it will continue to thrive. Organizations will adopt hybrid work models, allowing employees to work both remotely and in-office, ensuring flexibility while maintaining collaboration. Employers will invest in robust remote work technologies and tools to support this shift.

2. Gig economy and freelance talent

The gig economy is on the rise for many reasons, including increased interest in formerly disregarded potential employees. Recruiters have widened their focus from cities as the only source of high quality candidates and become increasingly open toward nontraditional employees like new parents or retirees, people with disabilities, or who were formerly incarcerated. In 2024, businesses will increasingly integrate freelance workers into their teams, promoting agility and cost-efficiency. Companies will focus on building strong relationships with freelancers to ensure a steady supply of high-quality talent.

3. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation

There are two uses of AI which are becoming more and more popular in staffing agencies, generative and automation. Automation will further streamline the staffing process in 2024. Organizations will leverage AI-powered tools for candidate sourcing, resume screening, and even video interviewing. Automation will reduce administrative tasks, allowing recruiters and HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. For example, Empower by Ringover will automatically transcribe audio files and identify key moments thanks to sentiment analysis and conversation intelligence.

4. Skills-based hiring and reskilling

Skills-based hiring will take precedence over traditional qualifications in 2024. Employers will prioritize candidates with specific skills aligned to their business needs. To bridge skill gaps, organizations will invest in employee training and upskilling programs, promoting continuous learning and talent advancement. Upskilling is also key as more new technology is introduced to workplaces to ensure they can deliver the performance gains expected.

5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the benefits of diverse and inclusive workforces. In 2024, a strong emphasis will be placed on fostering DEI initiatives through inclusive hiring practices, unbiased job descriptions, and diverse interview panels. Employers will prioritize creating inclusive and equitable workplaces that embrace diversity in all its forms.

6. Data-driven decision making

In 2024, businesses will increasingly rely on data to drive staffing decisions. Recruitment analytics will be used to identify trends, measure the success of sourcing strategies, and improve candidate experience. Data-driven insights will help organizations make informed talent acquisition and management decisions.

7. Employee well-being and mental health

The well-being of employees will take center stage in 2024. Employers will prioritize mental health support, flexible work schedules, and work-life balance initiatives. Employee assistance programs and wellness resources will become essential tools for promoting a healthy and engaged workforce.

8. Employer branding and candidate experience

There's no secret there is a global labor shortage due to falling birth rates, aging populations, and emerging economies. With increased competition for top talent, employer branding and candidate experience will play a crucial role. In 2024, organizations will focus on building strong employer brands, effectively communicating company values, and ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the hiring process.

9. Remote onboarding and virtual collaboration

Virtual onboarding will become an integral part of the staffing process in 2024. Organizations will leverage technology to create engaging remote onboarding experiences, integrating new employees seamlessly into the company culture. Virtual collaboration tools and platforms will facilitate remote teamwork and foster a sense of belonging.

10. Ethical and sustainable staffing practices

In alignment with growing social consciousness, organizations will prioritize ethical and sustainable staffing practices in 2024. Employers will assess the environmental and social impact of their recruitment strategies and prioritize partnerships with diversity-led and socially responsible staffing firms. Ensuring the company has sustainable staffing practices is also key to attract younger generations, as that can be a deciding factor for them.

The staffing landscape is evolving rapidly, and businesses must adapt to emerging trends to stay competitive. Remote work, gig economy talent, AI, skills-based hiring, DEI initiatives, and other trends will shape the future of workforce management in 2024. By embracing these trends and leveraging innovative strategies, organizations can build agile, inclusive, and high-performing teams that thrive in the evolving world of work. Staying informed and proactive in implementing these trends will be vital for organizations looking to succeed in 2024 and beyond.

Staffing Trends FAQ

What is the staffing industry outlook for 2024?

The outlook for the staffing industry is very positive, as the American Staffing Association's most recent survey revealed staffing agencies are looking forward to a 2.1% revenue increase. This comes after previous surveys indicating a 3.2% YOY decline in revenue over 2023.

What is a staffing trend?

A staffing trend is a change or development within the staffing and recruitment industry which gains in popularity. Recruiting agencies often depend on staffing trend analysis to help them set strategy and objectives. Staffing trends can indicate not only the latest techniques, tools, and approaches working well for recruiters, they can also signal what types of candidates and industries will be in need of staffing support. In this way, staffing trends inform the tactics and objectives of recruitment agencies.

What are the future changes in staffing?

In the next year, staffing agencies will see significant evolutions in the following fields:

• Automation
• Skills-based hiring
• Evolving demographics
• Remote work

What are the five core of staffing?

The five core staffing tasks are:

1. Selection
2. Recruitment
3. Employment
4. Training
5. Retention

Bibliography

1. https://ecapital.com/blog/2024-outlook-for-the-staffing-industry-its-time-to-update-your-strategic-plan/
2. https://www.asa-digital.net/amstaffingassoc/2023_staffing_industry_playbook/
3. https://americanstaffing.net/research/asa-staffing-industry-data/staffing-employment-sales-survey/