In the ever-changing market that is the staffing industry, we are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and keep our business competitive by staying on top of the latest trends.

The key is to be able to recognize, embrace, and adapt to change so you can create an environment in which the team and the business can thrive.

Additionally, it’s important for the company’s leadership to have a clear vision that team members can support and help execute. 

Here are 4 trends currently taking place in the staffing industry that Chameleon believes will continue into 2023 and beyond:

1. Remote Work and the Hybrid Office Model is Here to Stay: Home-office flexibility was one of the most popular trends even before the pandemic but now hybrid offices and remote work life are becoming the new norm. Additionally, remote and flexible work schedules help reduce work-related stress by lessening or eliminating the daily commute, work interruptions, and office politics, and by providing a more comfortable and personalized work environment. Businesses that recognize the holistic benefits of a hybrid office set-up will attract top talent, beyond the company’s local area. From the employee’s perspective, the ability to better balance work and home life will go a long way to increase their overall job satisfaction. 
2. DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will continue to be a Game-Changer: It’s important for business owners to prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive environment for their team members and clients or customers. With all the talk about DEI, it may seem that the issue has been adequately addressed. But the fact is, we have a long way to go to create workplaces that foster open dialogue, diverse perspectives, collaboration, and growth among all team members. By making DEI a part of your company’s DNA, you will be in a stronger position to continue to attract team members who mirror the world around us. The benefits are clear; gender and cultural representation across all levels of an organization result in increased creativity, better decision-making, and greater professional growth because no matter their background, they can envision themselves in positions of leadership. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that job seekers – particularly the Millennial and Gen Z cohort – are looking to work in a setting that fosters and embraces people from all walks of life. This is because they want to feel respected, acknowledged, and assured that their ideas and contributions are being taken into consideration, and they are not interested in being a part of a team that allows their peers to feel excluded. 
3. Data Will Drive Workplace Innovation: The ability to access and apply quantifiable information to drive decisions will be more valuable than ever in the staffing industry. To remain competitive, staffing firms must embrace data and technology in their daily operations. Many staffing firms already use applicant tracking systems (ATS) and other software to manage their recruitment processes and it’s as important to ensure proper reporting and KPIs are established to accelerate the growth of your firm. While data will drive workplace innovation, data alone is not enough to make informed decisions. Staffing firm leaders will also need to create and maintain an open dialogue with their clients and team members to assess and effectively address any key issues. 
4. Employee Satisfaction and Retention: In the staffing industry, employee satisfaction and retention have always been challenging. Even with the recent phenomenon of the “Great Resignation,” many businesses are thriving when it comes to keeping their team members happy and growing with their places of employment. This will continue in the year to come. Employee retention starts before the team members have even been hired – at the interview stage. By fostering an open and honest dialogue from the very start, we’re better able to tap into a potential employee’s mindset and motivations. It also gives you a chance to share openly about your company culture and what you’re looking for in your newest team member. By starting the employer-employee relationship in this way, you are laying the foundation for an ongoing bond built on trust and open communication that will help you grow together for the long term. After all, people want to work for companies they care about, and who they know will care about them. 

Within the staffing landscape, like in any other industry, change is inevitable. As we move into 2023 and beyond, staffing firms must be prepared for these trends to take hold. By staying ahead of the curve and being proactive about these changes, staffing firms can ensure they remain competitive and continue to thrive in the years to come!