What Employment Agency Trends to Keep a Lookout for in 2018
2017 was an upbeat year for recruitment in, even in South Africa. Although we have a very large unemployment rate, there is a dire need in South Africa for skilled labour. It’s because of this need that sourcing and retaining top talent is a challenge, but a challenge that top employment agencies are up for meeting.
As South Africa’s landscape continues to grow, so does the need for businesses to employ an engaging and effective recruitment strategy. To this end, we collated a few of the top trends set to guide the recruitment sector in South Africa in the New Year, and throughout. Here are some of the top employment trends, and what HR managers and companies should anticipate in 2018.
Contact one of Johannesburg’s top employment agencies for expert assistance in building a strong team.
#1 Employer Branding Was Crucial in 2017, and Will Remain So in 2018 for Recruitment Agencies and Employers
2017 saw a shift in focus of larger businesses turning a focus to their employer value proposition. This was done at the same time as they continued to vie for the attention of exceptional quality candidates. This entailed the employer working hard to sell their employer brand to existing staff internally, as well as on external recruitment websites, and on the company’s own digital real estate.
We anticipate seeing this marriage of recruitment and marketing becoming more important as businesses try to remain competitive in a marketplace where there is a marked shortage of skills, combined with shorter tenures at companies. 2018 will see smaller businesses trying to copy what some of the larger blue chip organisations are doing in the employer branding space.
#2 Talent Acquisition Remains a Seller’s Market
Our local market seems to be following the international trend, where skilled and experienced candidates hold the power. This is specifically true for industries and sectors where there’s a marked shortage of skills.
This, combined with evolving attitudes towards work by Millennials, means that employment agencies are spending much more time sourcing, along with selling vacancies to candidates. It is definitely a case of experienced, skilled and educated candidates who are selecting the employers and roles, rather than the other way around.
#3 Using Existing Network to Recruit New Candidates
Employers tapped into their existing workforce to advertise new positions and vacancies in 2017, and will continue to do so in 2018. With an immense shortage of skills in IT, engineering and medical fields, head hunting remains a crucial task. However, tapping into employees’ networks and letting them become ambassadors for their employers is a strategy that will gain some traction in South Africa in 2018.
Choose FHH Consultants as Your Preferred Employment Agency
We are one of the top employment agencies in Johannesburg, and with good reason. Our team remains committed to matching choice employers with high quality candidates capable of carrying their businesses into the future.
Throughout the years, we’ve helped companies build strong teams by bringing together top talent in South Africa’s leading industries. Let us do the same for yours. Speak to us about all your recruitment needs, and let us provide you with a solid recruitment strategy heading into the New Year for a successful 2018.