Category: Talent Acquisition Strategy

Affinix® Analytics

Posted on by edyson

Affinix® Analytics

As part of the larger, Affinix® total talent suite, Affinix Analytics offers talent leaders a single source of truth to understand the end-to-end recruitment process and gain visibility into the total talent landscape. With a single, real-time dashboard, you can slice through the complexity, gaining instant insights into everything from hiring targets to diversity metrics, all while keeping your budget in check.

Download this fact sheet to learn more about Affinix Analytics.

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Dig into More Talent Tech Insights

AI for Recruiting: Getting from Hype to Hire
Article

AI for Recruiting: Getting from Hype to Hire

Cut through the hype and understand the practicalities of implementing AI in recruiting.

Read the Article
[On-Demand] AI in Recruiting: Hype, Ethics & Best Practices
Webinar On-Demand

[On-Demand] AI in Recruiting: Hype, Ethics & Best Practices

Separate fact from fiction for AI in recruitment and dig into the ethical implications for talent acquisition leaders.

Watch Now
AI in Recruiting: A Handbook for Talent Acquisition Leaders
Handbook

AI in Recruiting: A Handbook for Talent Acquisition Leaders

Everything you ever wanted to know about AI in recruiting and how to use AI recruiting software.

Read the Handbook

PeopleScout Affinix®

Posted on by edyson

Affinix®

Your talent needs are unique. Your talent technology should be too.

Meet Affinix®, PeopleScoutʼs proprietary total talent suite of AI-powered tools, uniting applicant tracking, candidate relationship management, recruitment marketing, digital interviewing and talent analytics into one seamless platform.

Download this fact sheet to learn more.

DOWNLOAD Fact Sheet

Learn more about Affinix™.

Learn More

Dig into More Talent Tech Insights

AI for Recruiting: Getting from Hype to Hire
Article

AI for Recruiting: Getting from Hype to Hire

Cut through the hype and understand the practicalities of implementing AI in recruiting.

Read the Article
[On-Demand] AI in Recruiting: Hype, Ethics & Best Practices
Webinar On-Demand

[On-Demand] AI in Recruiting: Hype, Ethics & Best Practices

Separate fact from fiction for AI in recruitment and dig into the ethical implications for talent acquisition leaders.

Watch Now
AI in Recruiting: A Handbook for Talent Acquisition Leaders
Handbook

AI in Recruiting: A Handbook for Talent Acquisition Leaders

Everything you ever wanted to know about AI in recruiting and how to use AI recruiting software.

Read the Handbook

Neurodiverse Recruitment: 6 Ways to Make Your Hiring Process More Neuro-Inclusive 

Posted on by akessler

Neurodiverse recruitment unlocks a wealth of unique strengths, offering employers access to exceptional skills in pattern recognition, analysis, mathematics and beyond. This approach to hiring isn’t just inclusive—it’s a catalyst for innovation. By building cognitively diverse teams that blend neurodivergent and neurotypical talent, organizations supercharge their creativity, decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. The result? A dynamic workforce that drives efficiency and innovation to new heights. 

Infographic that says: Neurodiversity by the Numbers 15% to 20% of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence Teams that include neurodivergent professionals can be 30% more productive than those without neurodivergent members. Cognitively diverse employees are 90% to 140% more productive than neurotypical employees and make fewer errors.

The untapped potential of neurodivergent talent is staggering, with alarming underemployment rates that rob both candidates and companies of incredible opportunities. In the U.S., it is estimated that as many as 85% of college-educated autistic adults struggle with unemployment. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) paints an equally grim picture for the UK, with just 21.7% of autistic individuals employed. In Australia, 70% of new starters with disabilities do not survive the probation period, while 65% of Australian businesses remain unsure about how to access this rich talent pool. 

While many organizations aspire to build a workforce that harnesses the potential of the neurodivergent community, few achieve this goal. While the reasons behind this gap are multifaceted, there’s a critical knowledge gap about neurodiversity in the workplace and how to create neuro-inclusive hiring processes.  

Ready to move the needle on neurodiverse recruitment? Let’s dive into five strategies that will transform your hiring process and unlock the full potential of neurodivergent talent. 

What is Neurodiversity?  

First, let’s define what we mean by neurodiversity. Neurodiversity refers to the concept that everyone experiences and interacts with the world around them differently. A neurodivergent person’s brain may work in a different way than the average “neurotypical” person. They may have unique ways of learning, communicating, working, socializing or perceiving their surroundings.  

While neurodiversity is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Asperger’s syndrome, many conditions fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, and even mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, OCD and social anxiety.   

A diagram of what neurodiversity brings to the workplace
Source: Genius Within 

6 Strategies for Neurodiverse Recruitment 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for neuro-inclusive recruitment, as neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of conditions, many of which may be undiagnosed or undisclosed. The key is to create a flexible process that can be tailored to individual needs.  

1. Identify Roles for Neurodivergent Recruitment 

To identify roles for neurodivergent talent, companies need to think beyond traditional job categories and focus on the core skills and tasks involved. Analyze and pinpoint positions that require deep focus, pattern recognition or systematic thinking—areas where many neurodivergent individuals excel. Look for roles that benefit from attention to detail, data analysis, quality control or creative problem-solving.  

Tech roles often offer a goldmine of opportunities, from software development to cybersecurity. But don’t limit yourself—neurodivergent talent can thrive in unexpected places. Consider positions in finance, research, design or even customer service roles that involve script-based interactions.  

You might also consider job carving, which involves customizing job roles by reorganizing tasks to create a new, tailored position that aligns with an individual’s strengths and abilities. This approach not only benefits neurodiverse employees by providing them with roles tailored to their abilities but also helps organizations make the most of their diverse workforce. 

The key is to break down jobs into their fundamental components and match them with the unique strengths often associated with neurodiversity. Remember, it’s about recognizing where neurodivergent traits can be a significant asset to your existing needs. 

2. Audit the Application Process for Neurodivergent Recruitment 

Once you’ve identified roles where neurodiverse talent can thrive, it’s time to audit the application process. Put on your detective hat and scrutinize every step. Is it neurodiversity-friendly, or is it secretly working against you?  

First start with the job description. Consider replacing lengthy, jargon-filled job descriptions with clear, concise summaries of the core responsibilities. Embrace inclusive language that speaks to diverse cognitive styles. Think less “excellent multitasker” and more “deep focus on specialized tasks.” 

Then, move onto the application itself. Complex, multi-step applications can overwhelm candidates with conditions like ADHD or autism, potentially causing them to abandon the process altogether. Simplify application forms by asking only for essential information. You could even consider offering alternative submission methods, like video applications.  

Ditch the requirement for cover letters in favor of skill-based assessments that directly relate to the job. By streamlining the application step, you level the playing field and tap into a rich pool of often-overlooked talent. 

3. Communicate Early & Often 

Be direct with your language and deliver information in multiple ways. Some candidates will be okay with written instructions, others like those with dyslexia, may receive information better through videos or audio explanations. 

Start by providing a clear preview of the entire recruitment journey. Communicate each stage, what the candidate will be required to do and how they’re being evaluated. This transparency benefits all candidates but is particularly crucial for neurodivergent individuals who may need to prepare mentally for each phase.  

Maintain frequent, personalized communication throughout the process. Strategic follow-ups can keep candidates engaged and comfortable, increasing the likelihood of offer acceptance. This ongoing dialogue also provides opportunities for candidates to ask questions or request additional accommodations as needed. 

4. Balance Assessments & Interviews 

Making the interview and assessment steps more neuro-inclusive is crucial for tapping into the diverse talent pool of neurodivergent candidates. While interviews shouldn’t be eliminated entirely, consider balancing them with other evaluation methods.  

Shift the focus from traditional metrics to a strength-based evaluation approach. Look for candidates’ unique capabilities and how they align with job requirements, rather than adhering strictly to conventional interview performance criteria. For candidates requiring adjustments, you might weigh interviews less heavily in your overall evaluation, focusing more on practical skill demonstrations or work samples.  

When it comes to assessments, large, complex exercises can be overwhelming for some neurodivergent candidates. Break these down into smaller tasks and add in the option to take breaks. Additionally, consider offering extra time for assessments if needed, focusing on the quality of work rather than speed of completion. 

A blended assessment approach that incorporates multiple question styles and task types is great option for assessing neurodivergent talent. For instance, at Heathrow we introduced a completely bespoke virtual testing platform called One Experience Assessment (1XP) to recruit for their security officer roles. This included visual “spot the difference” exercises alongside traditional questions, providing a realistic job preview while allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills in different ways. 

5. Be Prepared to Provide Accommodations & Adjustments for Neurodiverse Recruitment

Organizations should proactively prepare to provide reasonable adjustments and accommodations for neurodiverse candidates during the recruitment process. Flexibility should be a cornerstone of your approach as everyone has unique needs. 

Be prepared to offer extra time for assessments, adjusting standard time limits or breaking longer tasks into manageable chunks. Additionally, be open to changing the location or format of interviews or allowing the use of assistive technology like screen readers during online assessments. Provide interview questions in advance to make the experience more accessible for those who process information differently. 

Neurodiverse candidates may experience “sensory overload” in office environments and during in-person interactions. To help candidates better focus on demonstrating their skills and qualifications, design interview spaces with adjustable lighting, offer noise-canceling headphones and provide multiple seating options. These seemingly small adjustments can significantly reduce sensory sensitivity and anxiety.  

6. Customize Onboarding & Beyond  

Creating effective onboarding programs for neurodiverse employees is crucial for integration into the workplace and their long-term success. Recognize that each neurodivergent employee may have different needs and preferences, and be prepared to tailor the onboarding experience accordingly. 

Training is a cornerstone of successful integration. This should be a two-way street, involving both the neurodiverse employee and their colleagues. Provide education and diversity training to managers and team members in advance of or early in the onboarding process. These sessions should sensitively address the characteristics and preferences of neurodivergent individuals, always respecting privacy and dignity. For instance, explain that a colleague with autism might avoid eye contact, helping coworkers understand this isn’t a sign of disinterest. Similarly, managers should be trained on how to introduce neurodiverse team members appropriately, avoiding potentially uncomfortable situations like introductions in large group settings. 

Once neurodiverse employees start work, any adjustments offered during recruitment should be available in the workplace as well, ensuring a seamless transition from candidate to employee. By anticipating and preparing for these accommodations, organizations create an environment where neurodiverse candidates can thrive. This may also require implementing flexible working patterns that play to individual strengths. Offering adjustable work hours, remote work options or customized workspaces can help minimize sensory overwhelm.  

To further support neurodiverse employees, consider developing growth opportunities tailored to the unique needs of neurodivergent employees. This could include specialized mentorship programs or coaching sessions that focus on leveraging their strengths and navigating workplace challenges. By implementing these strategies, companies can create an onboarding experience that not only welcomes neurodiverse talent but sets them up for long-term success and growth within the organization. 

The Importance of Neurodivergent Recruitment

Embracing neurodiverse recruitment is not only a step towards inclusivity but a strategic move that leverages the unique strengths of this group to foster innovation and enhance performance. By closing the knowledge gap and implementing targeted strategies, organizations can create a more inclusive work environment that truly maximizes the potential of all employees, leading to a more dynamic and productive workforce. 

Talent Trends: 2024 In Review 

Posted on by akessler

At the start of 2024, we highlighted eight key areas that would impact how companies attract, retain and develop talent. As the year comes to a close, we’re revisiting these critical topics to examine what transpired in the talent landscape and explore what may be on the horizon for 2025.  

This year brought a complex mix of challenges and opportunities for HR leaders. Economic uncertainty forced many to re-evaluate talent acquisition strategies, with approaches like modular talent solutions and direct sourcing gaining traction. The ongoing skills gap, intensified by business transformation and the rise of new technologies like AI, highlighted the need for upskilling, reskilling and proactive talent pipelining. Meanwhile, employees continued to reevaluate their relationship with work, demanding greater flexibility, wellbeing support and personalized experiences. Navigating these shifts required HR leaders to become more agile, data-driven and employee-centric, often relying on technology to streamline processes, enhance the candidate experience and gain valuable talent market intelligence. 

In the following review, we trace how our 2024 predictions played out and offer insights for the path ahead. 

1. New Models Help Organizations Ride the Economic Waves 

What We Said:

Talent acquisition teams have experienced significant fluctuations over the past few years—from pandemic-driven downsizing to rapid growth and recent cutbacks—making it critical for talent acquisition leaders to develop strategies for managing through economic uncertainty. Rather than continuing the cycle of boom and bust, organizations should adopt agile approaches to workforce planning, with flexible RPO solutions offering stability during unpredictable times. 

What We Saw:  

Market conditions shifted the recruitment landscape to favor employers in 2024. Year-over-year hiring rates are stabilizing, with a moderation in the hiring slowdown, especially in the tech industry. While hiring rates across many industries were down, healthcare and energy sectors saw continued strength despite the general economic downturn. With continued labor shortages, shifting skills requirements and changing employee expectations, immense pressure remains on employers and their talent strategies.   

Modular talent solutions are gaining traction as a strategic response to economic uncertainty, providing a flexible approach to workforce management that allows employers to adapt to fluctuating demand and optimize costs. As 91% of hiring managers say they’re experiencing hiring challenges, and 45% indicate they’re struggling to find qualified workers for open roles, Modular RPO (recruitment process outsourcing) has proven to be a cost-effective strategy for augmenting internal recruitment capabilities. 

Employers also turned to direct sourcing as a key strategy for tackling staffing shortages. According to Everest Group, 46% of enterprises are actively exploring ways to combine approaches for contingent and permanent talent acquisition management, and 74% see direct sourcing as the best strategy for doing so. By building a talent pool of qualified candidates—including independent contractors, freelancers and other contingent workers—companies can hire faster, reduce costs and fill specific skills gaps within their organization. Leveraging contingent labor helps organizations gain the flexibility and scalability necessary in today’s dynamic market. 

As you consider implementing direct sourcing in your organization, remember that technology is a crucial enabler, and the human touch remains invaluable. Partnering with an RPO provider can provide you with AI-powered, cutting-edge technology, backed by expert talent curation and engagement strategies.  

2. Focus on Internal Mobility 

What We Said: 

Employee retention will remain a top priority for HR professionals in 2024, with 36% identifying it as crucial, leading to an increased focus on internal mobility and skill development. Following the labor hoarding trend of 2023, organizations are emphasizing the transformation of existing workers’ skills to prepare for future needs. Career paths are becoming more fluid, moving away from traditional linear progression to cross-departmental moves, which requires hiring managers to evaluate candidates based on their overall organizational value rather than just role-specific fit. 

What We Saw:   

Internal mobility is on the rise as hiring rates stabilize. According to LinkedIn, internal mobility has increased 6% year-over-year as companies discover how leveraging internal hiring can accelerate organizational agility, employee engagement and retention, and career development. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report, 41% of companies plan to fill more than 30% of their open roles with internal talent. Internal mobility does more than help employers fill critical gaps—93% of employees stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development, and internal hires reach competency 20% faster than external hires.  

Internal mobility programs are more successful when combined with upskilling and reskilling initiatives. As business needs evolve, internal mobility allows employees to move into new roles, and upskilling and reskilling provide the necessary training to close skills gaps and ensure employees are successful in their new roles. By offering these development opportunities, employers expand the pool of qualified internal candidates while boosting employee engagement. 
 
By effectively integrating upskilling and reskilling with internal mobility programs, companies can create a more engaged, agile and resilient workforce, helping them overcome current and future hiring challenges in a dynamic business environment. An RPO partner can help create a robust internal mobility program that leverages best practices to support continuous learning, career growth and workforce planning to retain top talent and swiftly adapt to changing business needs.  

3. AI Becomes a Reality…Slowly 

What We Said: 

While talent acquisition continues to evolve with the growth of new technologies like Generative AI (GenAI)—particularly in streamlining tasks from screening to interview scheduling—organizations are advised to take a measured, principled approach to AI implementation. The key is to start with small projects to identify where AI can add genuine value while maintaining human oversight—which remains central to recruitment processes. 

What We Saw:  

Following the widespread discussion tools like ChatGPT, we thought we’d see organizations move beyond ethical debates to actively integrate GenAI into their talent acquisition strategies. Indeed, eight in 10 global executives see at least one way GenAI will help their employees, yet only one in 10 organizations have “broad leadership alignment, comprehensive tools and strong processes in place for GenAI adoption.” 

While adoption rates vary, AI is transforming talent acquisition. We’ve seen increased use of AI tools for résumé screening and initial candidate assessment, driving recruiter efficiencies, reducing potential unconscious bias and improving quality of hire. Natural language processing tools can ingest thousands of résumés and CVs, and analyze the content, context and trends across the talent pool within seconds. AI tools can be trained to recognize specific skills, experiences and competencies that are required for open roles and then score and rank applicants automatically. 

Some employers have integrated AI-powered chatbots into their recruitment process to create a conversational experience for candidates using natural language processing, offering candidates support 24/7. These mobile-friendly, text interview tools automatically screen candidates using predetermined questions that gauge their interest and qualifications. Based on the responses, the chatbot can instantly determine the next step for each specific candidate. This frees up recruiters to focus on more strategic tasks. 

Adoption of AI-powered skills assessment platforms has also increased, providing an objective and accurate evaluation of candidates’ abilities through data-driven insights. New tech platforms test and measure candidates for skills mastery, personality traits and cognitive abilities. As with all AI-powered efficiencies, the tech-enabled assessments should augment, not replace human expertise.  

Partnering with an RPO provider is an excellent way to ensure careful, diligent and compliant use of AI tools throughout your recruitment process. Above all, AI should not be seen as a replacement for the talent acquisition strategy you’ve already built, but rather a set of tools to make your teams better at tasks both mundane and meaningful. 

4. Business Transformation Impacts Workforce Planning 

What We Said: 

The demand for new types of jobs, particularly in areas like data analytics, software development and green skills (which saw a 677% increase from 2019 to 2023), has grown significantly, with McKinsey noting that one-third of new U.S. jobs created in the past 25 years were previously non-existent roles. While this transformation creates exciting opportunities, organizations face a critical challenge as workforce development systems struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing skill requirements, resulting in a shortage of qualified talent. To address this gap, talent acquisition leaders must focus on proactive workforce planning and employee development.  

What We Saw:  

The demand for tech talent, particularly in areas like AI, machine learning, cybersecurity and software development continued to outpace supply in 2024. The transition to sustainable practices and renewable energy sources also fuelled growth of green jobs in areas like environmental engineering, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy technologies. Across industries, the ability to collect, analyze and interpret data became critical for decision-making, leading to higher demand for data analysts, scientists and engineers.  

The World Economic Forum predicts that 23% of global jobs will change in the next five years due to industry transformation, including AI. According to LinkedIn, employees skilled at using GAI are 5x more likely than others to develop skills like creative ideation, design thinking and emotional intelligence. So, with 79% of CEOs accelerating their post-crisis business strategy, the pressure is on HR leaders to achieve the vision of a tech savvy workforce.  

HR leaders must take an active approach in the C-Suite to achieve strategic business outcomes with an edge in human capital by assessing the current state of the workforce and developing a roadmap for optimizing employee value and identifying hidden potential to close skills gaps. Yet, according to Gartner, while 87% of HR leaders agree that shifting business needs requires continuous HR transformation, only 28% say that the HR strategic planning process is fully integrated with the business planning process. 

Collaboration between the C-Suite and HR is essential for successful talent acquisition in today’s dynamic business environment. HR must be deeply involved in business discussions to understand the organization’s goals to anticipate future needs, identify potential skills gaps and develop proactive strategies to attract and grow the right talent. 

5. Growth in Skills-Based Practices  

What We Said: 

Organizations are adopting a comprehensive approach to workforce adaptation by investing in upskilling programs and partnering with RPO providers to secure talent with future-proof skills. The trend is moving towards skills-based recruitment, with companies like Google leading the way by eliminating degree requirements, which not only expands candidate pools but also promotes workplace diversity and inclusion. Companies are shifting their assessment practices to focus on actual skills rather than traditional credentials, recognizing this as a more effective way to identify qualified candidates in today’s evolving job market. 

What We Saw:  

In adapting to the changing skills landscape, employers are rightly focusing on specific skills rather than traditional credentials and talent leaders are increasingly recognizing the value of experience and learnability over degrees. Alternative credentials like certifications, badges, micro-credentials and other qualifications earned outside of traditional degree programs are also gaining acceptance, as they often focus on specific skills or knowledge areas, a natural fit for skills-based hiring strategies. Recognizing these credentials helps employers expand their talent pools, hire faster and improve quality of hire.  

Recent estimates of the impact of large language models (LLMs) by the International Labour Organization estimate that 24% of clerical tasks should be considered highly exposed to automation effects with an additional 58% having medium-level exposure, while another report suggests that 80% of U.S. workers could see at least 10% of their tasks automated. The International Monetary Fund estimates that AI would affect 40% of jobs and worsen inequality, while Goldman Sachs predicts that up to 25% of the work currently done by humans could soon be automated by generative AI.  

As AI increasingly takes on the less complex, more repeatable tasks being done by the workforce, companies will need to hire talent with broader, uniquely human skills. Skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration—all skills that spur organizational agility—will continue to rise in demand. In fact, 69% of U.S. executives say they plan to prioritize hiring candidates with soft skills, especially transferrable skills that will allow candidates to move nimbly across roles. 

While making the shift to skills-based hiring practices takes time and effort, an RPO provider can accelerate your transition by offering strategic guidance around talent assessment design to embed skills at the core of your talent practice and build a future-fit workforce. 

6. Stalled Momentum in HR Tech Upgrades  

What We Said: 

As the HR technology market grows ever bigger, 2024 is set to be a pivotal year for recruitment technology upgrades, with organizations increasingly leveraging AI-powered features to automate routine tasks and enhance the candidate experience. Talent acquisition leaders are focusing on using technology to augment human interactions and analyze data for more agile resource management, while simultaneously proving their ability to deliver digital transformation and demonstrate clear ROI on these investments. This push towards technological advancement presents an opportunity for TA leaders to dispel past criticisms about HR’s ability to drive meaningful technological change. 

What We Saw:   

Economic uncertainty impacted our predictions for HR tech upgrades in 2024. While the drive for technological advancements in HR remained strong, budgetary constraints and cautious spending impacted the pace of adoption. According to Gartner, when asked about priorities and expected challenges in 2025, 55% of HR leaders say their current technology solutions do not cover current and future business needs. HR leaders are increasingly seeking tools to gather and analyze data to inform their talent strategies and enhance the candidate experience. Uncertainty about the economic outlook led some companies to postpone major HR tech implementation, opting for smaller-scale upgrades or maximizing the value of existing systems.  

The shift to cloud-based HR systems continued, offering scalability and flexibility despite budget constraints. Companies also focused on integrating their existing HR systems to improve data flow and drive efficiencies. Under budget scrutiny, a greater emphasis was placed on demonstrated ROI of HR tech solutions.  

A Gartner survey identified HR technology as the top priority for HR investment for three consecutive years. So, while economic challenges may persist, there’s reason to be optimistic that HR tech investments will increase in 2025 as companies recognize the long-term benefits of building the ultimate tech stack. One of the biggest value-adds an RPO partnership brings is experience with and access to the latest in talent technology. An RPO provider can help you assess your current solutions, show you how emerging technologies like AI, machine learning and predictive analytics can boost your ability to attract top talent and customize a technology ecosystem to meet your needs now and into the future.  

7. Employee Expectations of Work Have Changed 

What We Said:

Talent acquisition leaders must act as strategic market listeners, continuously adapting their employer value proposition (EVP) to align with evolving candidate expectations. As employees increasingly demand more personalized experiences, organizations need to move beyond traditional one-size-fits-all EVP approaches to embrace a human-centric strategy that acknowledges employees’ full personhood. This more holistic approach, focusing on creating exceptional life experiences and positive emotional connections, will be crucial for both attracting top talent and improving retention rates in 2024. 

What We Saw:   

2024 saw a significant shift in how employees view their work, requiring employers to adapt. While compensation remains important, employees are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance, flexibility, purpose and wellbeing, and are seeking employers with a demonstrated concern for their employees—The Executive Development Network reports that 86% of employees would leave their current job if there was no obvious support for employee wellbeing.  

While many companies expanded flexible work options, including remote work, hybrid models and flexible schedules, return-to-office mandates were still prevalent with the likes of Amazon doubling down on their in-person stance. The power play between employers and employees is expected continue into 2025, and not just regarding hybrid work. Employers will continue to face increased pressure to integrate wellbeing into the workplace, as 62% of candidates say they only apply for jobs that meet the majority of their EVP requirements according to Gartner’s Q2 2024 Voice of the Candidate Survey.  

To attract and retain top talent, employers will need to actively listen to their employees’ needs and preferences to create a human-centric workplace and prioritize authenticity and transparency in communicating their values with candidates and employees. As the relationship between employers and employees will continue to evolve, organizations can benefit from leveraging data and analytics to understand employee behavior to tailor their experiences, and utilizing technology to support flexible work, personalize benefits and offer wellbeing programs. 

8. Data Remains Key 

What We Said:

The labor market faces significant challenges due to Baby Boomers’ retirement creating a brain drain, coupled with a smaller upcoming workforce that lacks certain soft skills and the growing impact of long-term illness, including COVID-19 complications, which has sidelined over 2.5 million people in the UK alone. To combat this talent scarcity, organizations must focus on attracting and training Gen Z while leveraging data analytics as a strategic tool. Talent acquisition leaders need to elevate talent intelligence to the C-Suite level, using data-driven insights to understand talent pools and optimize recruitment and retention strategies for maximum ROI. 

What We Saw:   

Effective use of data remains crucial in navigating talent scarcity and building a future-ready workforce. Savvy talent leaders are using real-time market intelligence such as salary trends, skills demand and competitor activity to make informed decisions about their recruitment and retention strategies.  

With increased adoption of AI tools across the recruitment process, machine learning models are providing predictive and prescriptive hiring insights. AI can assess candidate interest, motivations, likelihood to accept an offer and even predicted tenure, empowering recruiters to prioritize and personalize their outreach efforts. When it comes to early careers recruitment, data revealing the preferences, values and career aspirations of Gen Z is essential in developing recruitment strategies that resonate with these jobseekers.  

A key benefit to partnering with an RPO provider is the comprehensive reporting tools and data insights they can provide. PeopleScout’s Affinix® Analytics business intelligence suite offers a holistic view into the recruiting process—from job seeker data and operational metrics to campaign analytics and market intelligence.   

These insights will remain paramount in 2025—armed with the right data, employers can proactively identify and attract top talent ahead of their competitors and drive business outcomes. 

The Future is Bright with the Right Talent Partner  

The future of work holds exciting potential, but also some uncertainty. However, while individual trends are difficult to predict, TA leaders that embrace agility, skills practices and tech innovation will find themselves in a strong position to prove their value in driving business performance. As your talent partner, PeopleScout will be ready to support, challenge and inspire you for whatever lies ahead.  

By staying on top of key shifts like these and working with an expert talent solutions provider like PeopleScout, companies can build workforces with the skills, mindsets and diversity of experiences to thrive in the next era of business. 

Home Health Staffing: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent

Posted on by akessler

The home healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by an aging population and a growing preference for receiving medical care in the comfort of one’s own home. As the demand for home healthcare continues to surge, so does the need for qualified and compassionate healthcare professionals to provide these essential services. However, home health staffing presents unique challenges that require innovative and effective strategies to overcome. 

In this article, we will explore comprehensive strategies for successful home health hiring. By addressing these challenges head-on and implementing innovative solutions, organizations can meet their staffing needs and improve the quality of care provided to patients in their homes. 

Understanding the Home Health Recruiting Landscape 

The home healthcare landscape is diverse, encompassing a wide range of roles from home health aides and personal care assistants to skilled nurses and therapists. The nature of home healthcare work—which often involves working remotely and independently in patients’ homes—requires trust, reliability and adaptability.  

Home health recruiting is about more than filling positions; it’s about finding individuals who can rise to these ideals, maintaining professional standards and contributing to the overall well-being of patients.  

Several trends within home healthcare are impacting recruitment within the sector, including: 

  • Rapid Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in home healthcare services will grow by 33% by 2030, making home health staffing shortages a challenge for the sector. 
  • Shift from Institutional Care: There’s a growing preference for receiving care at home rather than in hospitals or nursing homes, which is driving demand for home healthcare services. 
  • Technology is Changing Skill Sets: The adoption of telehealth and remote monitoring technologies is changing the skill sets required for home healthcare workers. 
  • Focus on Specialized Care: There’s a growing need for home healthcare workers with complex medical conditions. Recruiting home healthcare aides will become more complicated as the need to upskill to keep pace with modern healthcare requirements becomes more crucial. 
  • Cultural Competence: There’s an increasing demand for care workers who represent their diverse community and who can communicate effectively with patients from various backgrounds. 

Given these trends, the need for qualified home healthcare professionals is expected to continue growing. However, with high turnover rates and competition from other healthcare sectors, recruiters are struggling to reach the right talent. Next, we’ll explore how to identify ideal candidates for home healthcare roles. 

5 Strategies to Overcome Home Health Staffing Challenges 

By addressing home health recruiting issues head-on, organizations can improve their recruitment outcomes and build a more stable workforce. 

1. Create Competitive Offers 

While the opportunity for meaningful one-on-one patient care and diverse experiences will attract talent for home health hiring, home healthcare providers must differentiate their positions to compete with other healthcare sectors for talent. Leverage market intelligence to understand which organizations in your area are hiring for similar skills and average salary ranges by experience level to craft offers that will entice quality talent.  

Remember, not all parts of an offer are material. Flexible scheduling options, including part-time and job-sharing arrangements, are sought-after in the healthcare sector because they provide better work-life balance compared to traditional hospital settings.  

2. Address High Turnover in Home Healthcare 

High turnover is putting pressure on healthcare recruitment and home health is no exception. There are strategies organizations can use in the recruitment phase to find candidates who are likely to thrive in these roles long-term. Predictive analytics tools use historical data to predict which candidates are most likely to succeed in specific roles. 

You can also use the recruitment process to showcase your organization’s commitment to employee development, highlighting real-life examples of career advancement paths and recognition programs that reward exceptional performance. By emphasizing these retention-focused initiatives upfront, you can attract candidates with the temperament and intrinsic motivations that align with the unique demands of home healthcare, building a more stable and engaged workforce to provide outstanding patient care. 

3. Showcase Your Support Systems 

Turnover in the healthcare sector has been primarily driven by employee burnout since the start of the pandemic. Caring for patients who are sick, elderly or even dying can take an emotional toll on home health workers. Plus, home healthcare workers often work alone in patients’ homes, which can present safety concerns and feelings of isolation.  

Showing candidates that you have well-established safety protocols for various situations they might encounter in the role will reassure them you have their best interest in mind. Recruitment content should emphasize the support structures you have in place from regular supervisor check-ins to mentorship programs and peer support groups where employees share experiences and receive advice.  

4. Leverage Technology in Home Health Staffing 

Talent technology can significantly enhance home health recruiting efforts, especially when it comes to creating a mobile-first candidate experience. This is crucial for recruiting home health aides who work “on the road” visiting various patients. Another tech-enabled process enhancement to consider is recorded video interviews, in which candidates record responses to preset questions. For talent with variable schedules and movable workplaces, this lets them record at their convenience, reducing drop off rates. 

AI-powered candidate sourcing and matching tools can further streamline the process, automatically surfacing the most suitable talent based on their profiles and job requirements. However, it’s crucial that organizations strike the right balance, using technology to enhance but not replace the human elements of recruitment. Assessing soft skills and establishing personal connections remain vital, especially in a field as inherently people-oriented as home healthcare. 

5. Partnering with an RPO for Home Health Recruiting 

Partnering with a recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) provider can be a game-changer for home healthcare organizations seeking the right talent. RPO partners bring specialized expertise and access to a wider talent pool that can be difficult for individual organizations to match on their own. By tapping into an RPO partner’s advanced recruitment technology, data-driven insights and dedicated sourcing teams, home healthcare providers can elevate their recruitment capabilities, fill open roles fast, and build a more stable, engaged workforce primed to deliver exceptional patient care. 

Critically, an RPO partner will understand the unique challenges of home health staffing and can customize their approach to address high turnover, competition from other healthcare organizations, and the need for flexible, remote-friendly hiring. With an RPO partner serving as an extension of your organization, internal talent teams are free to focus on assessing cultural fit and building meaningful relationships with employees.  

Conclusion 

The ability to attract and retain qualified, compassionate professionals has become mission-critical for the home healthcare sector. By addressing common home health staffing challenges head-on, leveraging the power of technology and forging strategic RPO partnerships, home healthcare providers can build a stable, engaged workforce prepared to deliver exceptional patient care. Ultimately, hiring decisions made today will shape the quality of care and quality of life for countless individuals seeking medical support in the comfort of their own homes. 

Aged Care Recruitment: 5 Strategies for Building a Compassionate Workforce 

Posted on by akessler

The aged care sector stands at a critical juncture, facing unprecedented demand as global populations continue to age. According to the United Nations, the proportion of individuals aged 65 and over is expected to increase from 10% in 2022 to 16% by 2050. This demographic shift has placed immense pressure on aged care services, highlighting the urgent need for effective aged care recruitment strategies to meet the growing demand for qualified caregivers. 

The challenges in aged care recruitment are multifaceted, ranging from a shortage of skilled workers to high turnover rates and a competitive job market. This article aims to explore these challenges and provide actionable strategies for improving recruitment in the aged care sector. By addressing these issues head-on, you can ensure high-quality care for the elderly in your community while creating rewarding career opportunities for caregivers. 

Understanding the Aged Care Sector 

Before delving into aged care recruitment strategies, it’s crucial to understand the diverse landscape of the aged care workforce. The sector encompasses a wide range of care options, including: 

  • Residential aged care facilities (nursing homes) 
  • Home care services 
  • Assisted living communities 
  • Respite care centers
  • Palliative care services 

Within these various settings, comprehensive care requires a variety of essential roles, from nurses to physiotherapists to administrative staff. Whether it’s for nursing home hiring or home health recruiting, each role requires a unique set of skills and qualifications. While some positions, such as RNs, demand extensive formal education and licensing, others like activity coordinators may not require certification. Regardless of the specific role, recruiters must assess all aged care workers for interpersonal skills, empathy, patience and a genuine passion for working with older adults. 

Current Aged Care Recruitment Challenges 

The aged care sector faces several significant recruitment challenges: 

  • Shortage of Qualified Staff: Many countries are experiencing a severe shortage of trained aged care workers and home healthcare workers. This shortage is exacerbated by growing demand for health services, including home health services, long-term care and aged care. 
  • High Turnover Rates: The aged care sector struggles with high turnover rates, often due to burnout, emotional stress and physically demanding work conditions. This level of churn creates a cycle of recruitment and training that strains resources. 
  • Competitive Job Market: With the expansion of healthcare services, aged care providers often find themselves competing for talent with hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities that may offer more attractive compensation packages or work environments. 
  • Changing Demographics of the Aged Care Workforce: As the current workforce ages, there’s a need to attract younger generations to aged care roles. However, many younger workers have different career expectations and may not initially consider aged care as a viable career path. 

5 Strategies for Effective Aged Care Recruitment 

To address these challenges, aged care providers must adopt innovative and comprehensive recruitment strategies. 

1. Develop a Strong Employer Brand 

Creating a compelling employer brand is crucial for attracting top talent for aged care staffing. This involves crafting a narrative that highlights your organization’s mission, values and the meaningful impact of aged care work on individuals and communities. Use various channels such as your website, social media and recruitment advertising to help your organization stand out as an employer of choice. 

To attract younger workers, develop a strong social media presence that showcases success stories of real employees, emphasizing personal growth, job satisfaction and the rewarding nature of caring for older adults through engaging content such as videos, employee testimonials and facility tours. Highlight career progression opportunities within your organization, demonstrating that aged care can offer long-term, fulfilling career paths.  

2. Update Recruitment Technology Platforms 

In today’s digital age, investing in your recruitment tech stack is essential for reaching a wide pool of potential candidates in aged care recruitment. Yet, many aged care providers are grappling with outdated recruitment systems that are ill-equipped to meet the demands of modern recruitment. Updating your tech stack can significantly enhance agility, streamline processes and provide the seamless candidate experience that today’s aged care professionals have come to expect.  

AI-powered sourcing tools can swiftly identify the most promising talent for various aged care roles, from nurses to physiotherapists, in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, advanced analytics equip recruitment teams with valuable data to refine strategies, allowing you to target the right candidates more effectively and improve retention rates in the challenging aged care sector.  

3. Implement Employee Referral Programs 

Employee referral programs can be a powerful tool for recruiting high-quality candidates to your aged care roles. When employees refer qualified friends, family members or professional contacts to open positions, hiring processes are often faster, recruitment costs are lower and retention rates are higher, as referred employees tend to have a more realistic understanding of the job and organization before joining. 

When implementing an employee referral program, it’s important to communicate the details of the program clearly to all employees and make the referral process as simple and straightforward as possible. Offer incentives for successful referrals, such as monetary bonuses, extra paid time off or other perks. Plan ways to regularly celebrate successful referrals to maintain enthusiasm for the program.  

4. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits 

Offering competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in this competitive space. Develop a comprehensive benefits package that addresses the diverse needs of your workforce, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. Consider adding perks that can set you apart as an employer. Flexible scheduling options, wellness programs, professional development opportunities or tuition reimbursement for continuing education can go a long way to enticing talent to aged care. 

Regularly benchmark your salary offerings against industry standards to ensure you remain competitive. Beyond base salary, consider offering bonuses to motivate and reward exceptional performance. Remember that investing in your employees through competitive compensation and benefits can lead to higher job satisfaction, improved performance and lower turnover rates in the long run. 

5. Engage an RPO Partner for Aged Care Recruitment 

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) has emerged as a strategic aged care staffing solution for providers facing persistent recruitment challenges. For aged care organizations, RPO leads to faster hiring times, improved quality of hires and a more streamlined recruitment process overall.  

One of the key advantages of RPO in aged care recruitment is its scalability and flexibility, allowing organizations to quickly ramp up or down their recruitment efforts as needed. RPO providers in healthcare often bring a data-driven approach, offering valuable insights into recruitment metrics and market trends specific to the aged care sector. An RPO partner can also help develop your employer brand strategy, ensuring that your values and culture are effectively communicated to potential candidates. 

Choose an RPO partner with a deep understanding of the aged care sector’s unique challenges and requirements. When considering RPO, think about the level of outsourcing that best suits your needs, whether it’s a full-scale solution or a project-based approach for specific roles. With clear communication and well-defined performance metrics, RPO can be a powerful tool for aged care providers to enhance their recruitment capabilities and ensure they have the skilled workforce needed to provide high-quality care. 

Conclusion 

Effective aged care recruitment is not just about filling positions; it’s about building a sustainable, skilled and passionate workforce capable of providing high-quality care to our aging population. By implementing comprehensive recruitment strategies, embracing tech innovations, and collaborating with an RPO partner, you can address the current challenges and prepare for future demands. By embracing these strategies, aged care organizations can elevate the perception of aged care work, attract talented individuals to the field, and ensure that our elderly receive the compassionate, skilled care they deserve.  

5 Signs Your Organization Needs RPO 

Posted on by akessler

Your workforce is crucial for organizational success. However, many companies find themselves struggling with the complexities and challenges of modern recruitment. That’s where Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) comes in—a strategic solution that can transform how organizations approach hiring.  

So, is RPO is right for your company?  

This article explores five key indicators that it’s time to consider RPO, and why it could be a game-changer for your talent acquisition strategy. 

1. You Lack Internal Recruiting Expertise 

Many organizations, especially small to medium-sized businesses or those in niche industries, may not have the luxury of a full-fledged, experienced recruiting team. This gap in expertise can lead to longer time-to-fill rates and potential mismatches between candidates and roles.  

RPO providers bring a wealth of recruiting knowledge gained across various industries and job functions. They stay up to date with the latest labor market trends, recruiting tools and techniques, and best practices.  

This expertise extends beyond just finding candidates. It includes employer branding, talent consulting, internal mobility and more. By tapping into this external expertise, you can elevate your entire recruitment function without the need to build and maintain this capability in-house.  

2. Your Recruitment Tech Stack is Lacking or Outdated 

If your organization is still relying on manual processes, spreadsheets or legacy talent technology, you’re falling behind. These outdated methods not only slow down your hiring process but also limit your reach and ability to engage with candidates.  

Modern candidates expect a seamless, digital-first experience throughout their recruitment journey, and failing to provide this can result in candidate drop-off and a damaged employer brand. Additionally, the lack of advanced analytics and reporting capabilities in older systems makes it difficult to gain insights into your recruitment performance and make data-driven decisions. 

Leading RPO providers offer a suite of cutting-edge recruitment technologies that can revolutionize your hiring process. These may include AI-powered candidate matching, automated screening tools and comprehensive analytics. By partnering with an RPO, you gain access to these technologies without the need for significant upfront investment or ongoing maintenance costs. This technological upgrade can lead to faster time-to-hire, improved candidate quality, and a more efficient overall recruitment process.  

3. Your Hiring Processes are Inconsistent or Inefficient  

A disjointed or inconsistent recruitment process can be a significant drain on an organization’s resources and effectiveness. It you’re struggling with long time-to-fill rates, high candidate drop-off rates or frequent complaints from hiring managers about the recruitment process, RPO can help.  

Your RPO partner can help you to implement standardized, streamlined processes that address these issues. They bring tried-and-tested methodologies that can be customized to fit your organization’s unique needs. This might include implementing consistent interview structures, standardizing assessment methods, or creating automated workflows through new technologies. This also has the knock-on effect of boosting fairness in your recruitment process. 

4. You’re Struggling to Remain Agile 

Many businesses experience significant fluctuations in their hiring needs, whether due to seasonal variations, project-based work or unpredictable market conditions. These fluctuations can make it challenging to maintain an appropriately sized in-house recruiting team. During peak periods, the team may be overwhelmed, leading to delays and potentially missed opportunities. Conversely, during slower periods, the team may be underutilized, representing an unnecessary fixed cost.  

One of the most significant benefits of RPO is its scalability. RPO providers can quickly ramp up resources during high-demand periods and scale back during lulls, ensuring that the recruitment capabilities match the needs of the business. With this kind of flexibility, you maintain hiring efficiency and quality regardless of volume. Plus, you optimize costs by only paying for the resources you actually need.  

5. Your Recruitment Costs are Too High 

Recruitment can be a significant expense for many organizations, especially when considering the full cost of maintaining an in-house team—including salaries, benefits, training—and technology investments. Additional costs can come from agency fees for hard-to-fill positions, job board subscriptions and employer branding initiatives. When these costs start to balloon, it’s a strong indicator that RPO might be a more cost-effective solution.  

RPO providers can often achieve economies of scale by spreading costs across multiple clients and leveraging their existing infrastructure and relationships. They may have preferential rates with job boards and assessment providers, and their efficient processes can reduce time-to-fill, thereby lowering your overall cost per hire.  

Ready to Explore RPO? 

If you recognize one or more of these signs in your company, why not explore RPO? Effective recruitment is not just about filling positions; it’s about finding the right talent to drive your organization forward. By leveraging the expertise, resources and flexibility of an RPO provider, you can turn your recruitment function from a challenge into a competitive advantage. 

If you’re ready to explore how RPO can help your business, let’s connect! 

9 Best Practices for Building an Internal Mobility Program 

Posted on by jpatel

Employers are facing a dual challenge: retaining top talent and filling critical roles. As the competition for skilled professionals intensifies, companies are turning their focus to their internal mobility program, recognizing the untapped potential within their own ranks.

Internal mobility isn’t just about moving employees between departments. It’s about creating a dynamic ecosystem where talent can flourish, skills can be developed and organizational knowledge can be leveraged to its fullest potential. Leading organizations are leveraging technology to support internal mobility, not only streamlining processes but also opening up new possibilities for employee growth and organizational success.

In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at internal mobility, the benefits for your business, and some best practices for building an effective internal mobility program.

What is Internal Mobility? 

First thing’s first—what is internal mobility? Internal mobility refers to the movement—both vertically and laterally—of employees within an organization. Internal mobility has become a necessity for filling critical skills gaps left in organizations. Through an internal mobility program an organization develops a specific process for moving internal talent between roles.  

Benefits of Internal Mobility 

The benefits of internal mobility extend far beyond simply filling vacant positions, impacting not only individual employees but also team dynamics, organizational culture and the bottom line. Let’s explore the key advantages that make internal mobility a cornerstone of successful talent management strategies. 

Save Time and Money 

Research suggests that the cost to replace an employee can be high as 50% to 60% of their salary with overall losses to the company as high as 90% to 200%. Two of the biggest benefits of an internal mobility strategy are cost savings and the ability to operate more efficiently—especially during a time when many organizations are operating with leaner teams after scaling down in response to economic challenges. 

The time and money spent on recruiting externally, like posting job ads, running recruitment marketing campaigns, sourcing and communicating with candidates can take a toll on already limited resources. Plus, external candidates often have higher salary expectations than internal employees. In fact, on average, the starting salary of an external hire is 18% to 20% more than that of internal candidates.  

Retain Top Talent  

Our recent research, The Skills Crisis Countdown, revealed a whopping 70% of employees would explore opportunities within their current organization before looking externally, which is great news for employers. By developing job skills within your organization and providing opportunities for mobility, you can achieve higher retention rates and reduce employee turnover. By implementing a skills-based internal talent mobility strategy, you’ll gain access to a robust pool of qualified internal candidates. 

Boost Productivity 

On average, it takes 28 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity in a mid-level role. Internal mobility allows you to easily search your existing employees, targeting the people who know your business and are ready to grow their careers with you.   

Internal candidates can use their experience with your organization’s structure and culture to acclimate and contribute to a new role quickly, often with less time spent on training. You’ll also have access to this talent almost immediately, allowing you to move quickly and reduce time spent searching for external candidates.  

Drive Employee Engagement  

A demonstrated investment in employee growth and development significantly boosts employee engagement. When organizations prioritize internal mobility, employees feel valued and motivated, seeing clear pathways for both upward and lateral career progression within the company. This sense of possibility and personal growth keeps employees intellectually stimulated, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity. 

Moreover, internal mobility creates a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Employees who know they have opportunities to expand their skill sets and take on new challenges are more likely to stay curious and proactive in their professional development. As a result, organizations benefit from a more agile workforce, with an internal bench of engaged, qualified candidates ready to swiftly fill skills gaps and meet changing business needs.  

Foster Diversity and Inclusion  

An internal mobility program can be a great way to proactively develop the diverse talent already existing within your organization. Utilizing internal talent and providing opportunities for growth will improve diversity and inclusion at your organization overall and will aid in succession planning. By giving employees the opportunity to move up, reskill and take pathways for growth within your organization, you’ll be fostering a more diverse workforce at all levels, including leadership.   

The Role of Technology in an Effective Internal Mobility Program

internal mobility program

Technology can enhance your internal mobility program and save your talent acquisition team time in a variety of ways through artificial intelligence, automation and more. For example, PeopleScout’s Internal Mobility solution is boosted by our proprietary talent technology, Affinix™. With the power of AI, we help employers to quickly source, promote and reassign talent across their organization, filling skills gaps now and into the future.   

PeopleScout’s Internal Mobility solution offers a comprehensive approach to identifying, developing and mobilizing internal talent through four key modules:  

  • Internal Career Portal: A custom-branded platform delivers a best-in-class experience for employees to explore internal opportunities and manage their professional profiles.  
  • AI Matching and Search: Affinix AI technology automatically matches internal candidates to new roles based on their skills, experience and preferences.  
  • Employee Expression of Interest: Employees can self-identify for consideration in new internal opportunities as they become available.  
  • Skills-Based Assessments: Evaluates employees’ existing skills and experience against role requirements, identifying learning opportunities and skills gaps. 

PeopleScout’s Internal Mobility solution enables a comprehensive view of employee skills and competencies, resulting in a more robust skills database and advanced job mapping. 

Case Study: Internal Mobility in Practice   

A government agency in Australia was operating with a lean workforce and limited resources. They required a solution that allowed them to leverage the skills and competencies of their existing workforce so they could save time, costs and resources.  

They turned to PeopleScout’s Internal Mobility solution to launch a platform to find and support workers looking to move within their department or to other agencies within the Australian government.  

Solution Highlights  

PeopleScout deployed our Internal Mobility solution, powered by Affinix™, to give the client insight into the scope and experience of their internal talent. With our solution: 

  • Employees self-manage their profiles which showcase demographics, education and work history. Plus, they can self-rate on specific skills and key competencies.  
  • Employees are given priority access and visibility to all job opportunities across the agency before they are advertised externally.  
  • AI technology matches candidates to open opportunities and provides alerts to candidates on open job opportunities.  
  • Engagement rates of existing staff increased, while the use of expensive contingent labor resources went down. 
  • Recruiters have a strong sense of what other positions may be a good fit for internal employees, based on hard and soft skills assessments.   

The client experienced a more engaged workforce as a result of enhanced workforce mobility, skills development and career opportunities.  

9 Best Practices for Building an Internal Mobility Program

Implementing a successful internal mobility program requires thoughtful planning and execution. While every organization’s needs are unique, we’ve developed certain best practices to guide our clients in creating a robust and effective program. The following strategies can help you build a culture that not only supports but actively encourages internal mobility, ensuring that both your employees and your organization reap the full benefits.

1. Establish Clear Policies and Processes

Develop a comprehensive policy that outlines eligibility criteria, application procedures and timelines for internal moves. This should include guidelines for how long an employee needs to be in their current role before applying for an internal move, the process for informing their current manager, and how internal candidates will be evaluated. Ensure these policies are easily accessible to all employees and that HR and management are aligned in their implementation.

2. Develop a Skills Inventory

Create a centralized database of employee skills, experiences and career aspirations by conducting an internal mobility skills audit. This inventory should be dynamic, allowing employees to update their profiles regularly. Use skills assessment tools to objectively evaluate competencies and consider implementing AI technologies to help you identify skill gaps and potential matches for open positions. This comprehensive view of your workforce’s capabilities enables you to get the most out of your talent and helps identify areas for training and development.

3. Implement a User-Friendly Internal Career Portal

Your internal career portal should be more than just a list of open positions. It should be intuitive and engaging, with detailed job descriptions, required and desired skills and potential career paths. Make sure it includes features like self-managed professional profiles and expression of interest capabilities. Ensure the platform is mobile-friendly to increase accessibility and engagement.

4. Encourage Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Boost upskilling at your organization by creating opportunities for employees to work across different teams and departments. This could involve establishing cross-functional project teams, implementing a formal job rotation program or organizing “innovation days” where employees from different areas come together to solve organizational challenges. These initiatives not only broaden employees’ skills but also increase their visibility across the organization, opening up more potential paths for mobility.

You may also consider creating an endorsement and referral system in which a manager can refer an employee for an opening and provide their endorsement. This gives recruiters and hiring managers additional insight into which employees may be the best fit for open roles based on feedback from leaders who have worked directly with the internal candidate.

5. Provide Career Development Resources

Invest in a robust suite of career development tools and resources. This might include access to online learning platforms, workshops on career planning and skill development, or a formal mentorship program. Consider implementing individual development plans for all employees, with regular check-ins during which employees can discuss progress with their managers or mentors and adjust goals. The key is to empower employees to take charge of their own career development while providing the necessary support and resources.

6. Align with Business Strategy

Ensure your internal mobility program is not operating in isolation but is tightly integrated with your overall business strategy. Regularly review how internal moves are supporting key business objectives and addressing critical skill gaps. Involve leadership in identifying future skill needs in order to shape the direction of the program. This alignment ensures that internal mobility is not just benefiting individual employees, but actively contributing to your organization’s success.

7. Communicate Transparently

Develop a comprehensive communication strategy to promote your internal mobility program. Inform employees of the new program and provide clear guidance on how to navigate the internal job market, how the process will work and what to expect after applying for a role. If you have specific internal mobility software, include training on how to access the platform, create a profile, view job openings and submit an expression of interest or application.

Communications should include regular updates on open positions, success stories and program benefits. You could even provide tips on how to prepare for internal interviews and how to transition between roles. Consider hosting regular information sessions or webinars to address common questions and concerns.

8. Measure and Iterate

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for your internal mobility program, such as internal fill rate, time-to-fill for internal vs. external hires, employee satisfaction scores and retention rates of internally moved employees. Consider collecting feedback through surveys and focus groups to understand the employee experience with the program. With this data you can refine and improve your processes, addressing pain points and capitalizing on what’s working well.

9. Leverage an RPO Partner to Support Internal Mobility

Partnering with a Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) provider can significantly enhance your internal mobility efforts. A skilled RPO partner can bring expertise in talent assessment, market insights and advanced recruiting technologies to your internal mobility program. They can help streamline the process of identifying and evaluating internal candidates, provide objective assessments of skills and potential and offer valuable benchmarking data.

Additionally, an RPO partner can support the development of internal talent pipelines and even manage aspects of your internal job board and internal recruitment process. By leveraging an RPO’s resources and knowledge, you can create a more robust, efficient and data-driven approach to internal mobility that complements your existing HR capabilities.

Internal Mobility & the Future of Work

As organizations navigate the complex landscape of talent acquisition and retention, internal mobility has emerged as a critical strategy for building a resilient and adaptive workforce. In an era where agility is paramount, internal mobility programs have become essential for fostering a dynamic and engaged employee base.

The role of technology in boosting internal mobility cannot be overstated. From AI-powered matching and search to skilled-based assessments, these advancements are transforming how organizations approach internal talent development and deployment.

By leveraging both advanced technologies and RPO partnerships, organizations can create a robust internal mobility program that supports continuous learning, career growth and workforce planning. This multifaceted approach not only aids in retaining top talent with key skills but also in developing a workforce that can swiftly adapt to changing business needs.

Global Early Careers Recruitment Trends [Infographic]

Posted on by akessler

The landscape of early careers recruitment is undergoing rapid transformation. As we navigate through economic uncertainties and technological advancements, both employers and emerging talent face new challenges and opportunities.  

From the intensifying competition for top graduates to the shift towards skills-based hiring, the insights in our latest infographic will help you stay ahead in the evolving world of graduate and early careers recruitment.

Check out this infographic with key stats from the global early careers market. 

As our infographic illustrates, the early careers talent market is at a critical juncture. While competition for top talent intensifies and application volumes surge, many organizations are grappling with resource constraints and outdated tech stacks. However, the shift towards skills-based hiring presents a promising opportunity to tap into a more diverse talent pool. 

To thrive in this new landscape, employers must adapt their strategies to meet the expectations of Gen Z candidates while optimizing their recruitment processes. By leveraging the right technologies and focusing on skills over traditional metrics, organizations can position themselves as attractive destinations for emerging talent. 

Ready to elevate your early careers recruitment strategy? Download our ebook, Navigating the Gen Z Era: Insights for Effective Early Careers Recruitment, for tips on becoming a magnet for top Gen Z talent. 

Specialist Hiring: Maximizing Success with Targeted Talent Sourcing  

Posted on by akessler
Specialist Hiring: Maximizing Success with Targeted Talent Sourcing

Amplifiers™

Specialist Hiring: Maximizing Success with Targeted Talent Sourcing

A local authority in the UK needed support in headhunting for a highly specialized role for a harbor master. So, they engaged PeopleScout for our Talent Sourcing solution, part of the Amplifiers™ suite, to successfully shortlist top talent.

123 Potential Candidates Identified
38 % Engagement Rate
7 Qualified Candidates Shortlisted

Situation 

A local authority in the southwest of England had a robust talent acquisition team but required additional support for front-end headhunting and sourcing assignments. A new and niche position for a harbor master demanded a comprehensive strategy to locate the right specialist.  

A habor master ensures the safety of all users of a harbor, including managing vessel traffic, investigating marine incidents and maintaining compliance with all safety codes. The ideal individual had strong leadership capabilities and the ability to hit the ground running, leveraging past experience. 

With only 433 official harbors and fewer than 300 harbor masters in the UK, the talent pool was limited. Plus, the role would require the ideal individual to relocate. To tackle these challenges, the authority engaged PeopleScout for a calculated approach, utilizing our Talent Sourcing solution from the Amplifiers™ suite. 

Solution 

Our specialist senior professional sourcing team demonstrated a keen understanding of the local job market and quickly captured the client’s interest. We devised a strategy targeting individuals with: 

  • Experience working as a harbor master 
  • A harbor master diploma 
  • Strategic leadership qualities with a commercial mindset 
  • Membership in the British Ports Association 

Our recruitment team employed a multifaceted approach, reaching out to potential candidates through LinkedIn and job boards. Given the specialist nature of the position, we had to think creatively. The team looked to social media and found a popular Instagrammer who had completed a charitable sailing journey to every port in the UK. By analyzing engagement on his posts, we identified key contacts relevant to the position. 

The team worked tirelessly, reaching out to these contacts and identifying potential candidates. Our search extended across the UK and even to the Middle East. While this broader search boosted candidate quality, it required more in-depth conversations with candidates about relocation possibilities and lifestyle changes to ensure a comprehensive fit for the role. 

Results

Through our efforts, we approached 123 individuals as potential matches. Out of these, 47 engaged with us, resulting in a notable engagement rate of 38%—well above the usual industry range of 18% to 25%.  

Following a detailed and technical screening process, we successfully shortlisted seven candidates. This final shortlist included a mix of local candidates and those willing to relocate, demonstrating the effectiveness of our strategic recruitment approach. 

At a Glance

  • COMPANY
    UK Government Agency
  • INDUSTRY
    Government & Public Sector
  • PEOPLESCOUT SOLUTIONS
    Amplifiers
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