The Future of Staffing: 4 (+2) Trends to Expect in 2024

The recruitment and staffing industry plays a crucial role in connecting employers with qualified candidates. It is also a huge money maker, with an estimated global revenue exceeding $648 billion dollars (SIA). Staying ahead of industry trends is essential for staffing professionals to remain competitive, meet the evolving needs of the workforce, and secure their piece of the very large pie. In 2024, several key trends are expected to shape the future of staffing.

Gig Economy and Freelancing

The gig economy and freelance work have experienced significant growth in recent years, reshaping traditional employment models. Upwork’s Future Workforce Report 2022 found that of the hiring managers surveyed, who engage independent talent, 66% plan to increase their utilization or number of freelancers over the next two years. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, presenting both challenges and opportunities for staffing professionals. Adapting to the changing landscape involves embracing new hiring strategies that accommodate the flexible nature of gig and freelance work. Utilizing platforms that connect employers with independent contractors and freelancers will be essential for staffing professionals to thrive in this evolving environment.

Skills Gap and Training

The skills gap continues to be a pressing issue in the workforce, with many employers struggling to find candidates with the necessary skills and qualifications. In 2024, addressing the skills gap will require a renewed focus on continuous training, upskilling and intergenerational collaboration. Staffing professionals can play a key role in collaborating with educational institutions and training providers to ensure that candidates are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace. Many new graduates and intermediate professionals have advanced technical knowledge of areas including cloud software, AI integration, and digital marketing. Many senior professionals have the accumulated experience and soft skills such as conflict management, communication, and creative problem-solving. Intergenerational collaboration and cross-training within organizations offers all team members the opportunity to learn and develop their skill sets. By partnering with training organizations, vetting existing company programs, and encouraging the development of both hard and soft skills; staffing professionals can bridge the skills gap and provide employers and employees with well-suited & long lasting matches.

Employee Wellbeing and Mental Health

The focus on employee wellbeing and mental health support is expected to become increasingly important in 2024. Staffing professionals will need to implement strategies for ensuring a healthy work environment, such as reviewing wellness programs, mental health resources, and flexible work arrangements. Genuinely supporting employee wellbeing not only enhances productivity and job satisfaction, but also contributes to a positive employer brand, making it easier to attract and retain top talent.

Entrepreneurship & Startups

“They’re such a big biller, why don’t they go out on their own?” You’ve likely heard some iteration of this comment before, or maybe even uttered it yourself. For 2024, we anticipate an upward swing in the number of staffing professionals branching off from established environments and starting up firms of their own. With the prospect of higher margins, creative ownership, and freedom of flexibility; the draw is logical, despite the many challenges of starting your own business. In this modern age, there are countless products and services on the market specifically designed to support emerging entrepreneurs. The new venture may be as an independent freelancer, CEO of a large team, or somewhere in between, but the fresh energy that entrepreneurs bring to the table cannot be understated and this trend is one to watch.

The next two predictions we discussed in our 2023 blog, and continue to be vital considerations as we venture into 2024.

Technology Integration

The integration of technology, such as AI, automation, and data analytics, is set to continue its revolution of recruitment processes in 2024. Staffing professionals can leverage these advancements to streamline candidate matching, improve the efficiency of the hiring process, and make more data-driven decisions. Additionally, the use of virtual reality in interviewing and onboarding may have merit in enhancing the candidate experience and improving the overall recruitment process.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion will remain a major focus in hiring practices, with businesses increasingly recognizing the benefits of a diverse workforce. Staffing professionals will need to implement strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace and ensure that their candidate selection processes are free from bias. Embracing diversity and inclusion not only fosters a more positive work environment but also leads to innovation and better business outcomes.

2024 is set to demonstrate the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the staffing and recruitment industry. Staying informed and adaptable in the face of these trends is essential for continued success of both firms and individual professionals alike. As is often the case, embracing change and innovation will be key to thriving in the future of staffing.