After the Covid-19 pandemic had a shattering effect on industry and employment, companies the world over are now putting their best foot forward in order to spearhead positive change and regrowth.
A great place to start is by building or adding to existing talented teams, who will inevitably be key players in your future success. With that in mind, we take a look at how recent events have influenced recruitment practices in 2021 – and how these trends will shape the localisation industry in the years to come.
Remote and hybrid working is on the up
Remote working was initially implemented as a quick fix to an unprecedented situation. Now, in spite of vaccination efforts and much of the world’s population returning to the workplace, it seems that remote and hybrid working will remain a staple for employees on a global level.
A satisfactory work/life balance, a reported increase in productivity and a broader talent pool are all key reasons for the staying power of this particular trend.
This spells good news for the localisation industry in particular, who can now benefit from creating on-the-ground teams within their local markets, while applying new research-led rules and guidelines for best practice in line with remote working.
Virtual recruitment is the way forward
Not only did the Covid-19 pandemic drastically change the structure of the workplace for the foreseeable, it also created a shift in hiring practices, with employers forced to embrace virtual recruitment in order to grow their teams.
Advances in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have made this transition far more effective, thanks to the endless possibilities created through virtual workplace tours, VR onboarding processes and more.
For 2021 and beyond, companies will likely implement a hybrid recruitment process, which will involve certain elements taking place via video conferencing and others occurring in person. This practice will speed up the hiring process for employers, while also giving them a chance to gauge a candidate through face-to-face impressions.
That said, an end-to-end virtual recruitment solution may likely be the norm with the majority of companies for entry-level candidates.
Artificial Intelligence will take on a starring role
The recruitment process is set to speed up greatly in 2021, thanks to further innovations and company investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The use of natural language processing (NLP) tools that identify suitable candidates for varying roles through scanning and screening information and keywords will become a lifeline for recruiters struggling to juggle endless administration tasks and tight acquisition deadlines. Chatbots are another highly efficient tool when used to aid the acquisition process, saving both recruiters and job seekers valuable time as they search for the ideal candidate/role match.
From ranking candidate applications based on relevant experience and qualifications, to scheduling interviews, AI technology now has a vital role to play in recruitment. In fact, a whopping 55 percent of HR managers surveyed for a recent study believe that AI will become part and parcel of the recruitment process over the coming five-year period.
Internal mobility will continue to increase
The pandemic also had a huge effect on internal mobility, with the practice of hiring from within a company’s existing structure up an estimated 20 percent since the outbreak of Covid-19.
The benefits to this approach to recruitment are plentiful; not only are you saving capital by looking inward at your current and trusted team, but you increase motivation and boost morale when providing existing employees with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Does an employee display adjacent skills, whereby they showcase a particular flair for or interest in an area not applicable to their current role?
Emphasis should also be placed on the soft skills they possess – something hugely important in localisation. This skillset, honed from human rather than professional experience, can involve anything from communication to empathy. These skills are a vital asset when dealing with a multicultural audience and client base.
An in-depth focus on employer branding
A company’s focus on personal branding will need to rise to a new level and take on far more depth in 2021 in order to attract new talent. Recent social, political and humanitarian issues, such as the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements have created a powerful wave of action and change.
Many individuals and businesses with a global platform have been inspired and encouraged to take a public stance against prejudice and discrimination. It is a way for a brand to express their personality and showcase their efforts in supporting both clients and employees, as well as the local communities in which they operate.
With the onus now on all of us as individuals to stand up against intolerance and abuse, many candidates might be drawn to your corporate efforts in support of certain global issues. In reality, this could be what inevitably inspires them to pursue an opportunity with your company.
How a business operates on a professional and emotional level is of equal importance in today’s society, so your brand identity and culture statement should be reflective of such change if your ultimate goal is to hire – and retain – great talent.
Diversity is key
In the wake of such social upheaval following the high-profile movements previously mentioned, the topic of diversity within the workplace is now very much under the microscope.
So strong is the emphasis on this pressing subject, that many companies all over the world have created Diversity and Inclusion departments, which are managed and directed by individuals with the ability and authority to implement positive change. In fact, data suggests that over the past five years, there has been a global increase of 71 percent in the number of Diversity and Inclusion roles.
Providing open-minded, equal-opportunity employment opportunities is also a logical exercise when considering the localisation industry specifically. With expansion into many different global markets, your company needs to adapt to and embrace numerous cultures, so this is a trend that should be taken seriously not just in 2021, but at all times.
Keep your finger on the pulse of evolving recruitment trends with the help of International Achievers Group, providing premium-level recruitment solutions for many of the world’s leading companies expanding on the global stage. Contact us today to book an appointment.