Top 5 Staffing Trends Expected in 2022

As we approach the middle of the year, businesses everywhere have been faced with a rough couple of years. The struggle is now about how to find and keep talent. There are a lot of parts that play into this, but the core issue seems to be how to recover at this point in time while also dealing with skill gaps.

Skill gaps refer to the abilities a company wants prospects to have compared to what the skills actually are. The past couple of years has taken a toll on skills that people would have otherwise been able to learn on the job. They either aren’t there, or people with these skills are incredibly difficult to find.

The demands and expectations have led to several trends that we’ve seen since the start of the year. Based on what has been happening, we also predict that staffing will have trends to watch for the rest of this year and into the next.

Top 5 Trends We’ve Seen

It’s important to take a look at what hiring and recruitment trends we’ve seen and what we expect. Here are five of the top trends seen so far in 2022:

1. The war for talent will continue to rage on

The “war for talent” is a phrase that’s been around for years, but it’s only getting truer as time goes on. With more baby boomers retiring and fewer people entering the workforce, businesses are competing harder than ever for top talent. This means that employees with in-demand skillsets can expect to see their salaries and benefits increase as companies try to lure them away from the competition.

2. The rise of the gig economy

The gig economy is already a major force in the workforce, and it’s only expected to grow in the coming years. More and more people are choosing to freelance or work part-time jobs instead of traditional full-time positions. This gives them the flexibility to work on their own terms, but it can also make it difficult for businesses to find the talent they need when they need it.

3. The importance of company culture

Company culture will become even more important as the war for talent continues. Candidates are increasingly looking for workplaces that fit their values and where they feel like they can be themselves. Businesses that invest in creating a positive company culture will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

4. Increased use of social media in recruitment

Social media is becoming an increasingly important tool for businesses when it comes to staffing and recruitment. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook have become go-to resources for finding qualified candidates, and many companies are now using social media to actively promote their job openings.

The use of social media in staffing recruitment has several advantages. First, it allows businesses to reach a larger pool of potential candidates. Second, it makes it easier to target specific types of candidates by using relevant keywords and hashtags. And finally, social media provides an opportunity for businesses to show off their company culture and values, which can attract like-minded candidates.

5. Increased use of temporary and contract staff 

Temporary and contract staffing is becoming increasingly popular in the workforce. This type of staffing can be a great option for businesses that need to fill a short-term vacancy or that need to bring on extra staff for a specific project. It can also be a good way to test out potential employees or to assess their fit with the company.

Staffing Trends We Expect to See Over the Next Year

As we move into the second half of the year, it’s important to take a look at the staffing trends we expect to see over the next 12 months. Here are five of the most significant trends:

1. An increase in remote working opportunities

The pandemic has forced many businesses to re-think their approach to work, with more and more employees now working remotely. Remote work has been on the rise for years, but the pandemic has accelerated its growth. Many businesses have realized that they can function just as well (or even better) with a remote workforce, and employees appreciate the increased flexibility. We expect that remote work will continue to grow in popularity in the coming years. This trend is likely to continue for the rest 2022 and into 2023, with businesses offering more remote working opportunities to attract and retain talent.

2. An increase in the use of social media in recruitment

This trend is expected to continue in 2022, with businesses using social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook to post job vacancies and attract candidates. As HR teams have to dig deep and find new ways to attract prospects, it’s no wonder that they’re embracing social media as a way to find them.

Being on social media platforms is proving to be useful as a way to reach candidates in a more innovative way. It shows that the companies are in tune with today’s digital culture, which is an excellent way to attract potential employees.

3. An increase in the use of temporary and contract staff

The pandemic has also led to an increase in temporary and contract staff use. This trend is expected to continue in 2022 as businesses look to manage their costs and protect their bottom line. This is especially true as gig jobs are expected to continue to grow. Workers will need to be onsite more as people return from having worked remotely during the pandemic, and temp or contract staffing is often more flexible than traditional positions.

4. A focus on diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion have been important topics in the workforce for some time, but they’re expected to become even more so in the coming years. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of having a diverse workforce, and candidates will be looking for workplaces where they feel welcome and included. Those that can create an inclusive environment will be better positioned to attract top talent.

5. An increase in the use of AI and automation in recruitment

As more and more businesses turn to AI and automation to manage their operations, it’s no surprise that these technologies will increasingly be used in recruitment as well. This trend will help to speed up the hiring process and make it more efficient. Additionally, it’s a job seekers’ market which means HR teams need to be creative in finding prospects. AI and automation offers the possibility of increasing reach and response from potential workers.

A Few Last Thoughts

The staffing trends listed above are expected to continue through the rest of 2022. These are just a few of the staffing trends we expect to continue over the next year and into 2023. With the world of work changing so rapidly, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends so you can adapt your recruitment strategy accordingly.

One of the most notable trends is the increased use of AI and automation in recruitment. This trend will help to speed up the hiring process and make it more efficient. Another trend to watch for is the increased focus on diversity and inclusion. Businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of recruiting a diverse workforce. The last trend is the increased use of temporary and contract staff. The pandemic has led to an increase in the use of these types of staffing, and this is expected to remain on track as businesses continue to look to manage their costs.