Recruiters are facing a talent shortage, with 86% of hiring managers reporting difficulties finding qualified candidates. But while many point to skill gaps and changing workforce expectations, another issue is flying under the radar: the recruitment process itself.

In previous blogs in this series, we explained the key benefits of flexibility at work and the challenges organizations face.‍ Now, we’re sharing a preview of how companies actually empower flexibility at work. 

Recruitment strategies have had to adapt constantly with the twists and turns of 2024. From candidate ghosting and skills shortage to quiet quitting and unchecked AI usage, it’s far from what companies experienced in 2022 and 2023.

Higher education institutions across the US are increasingly concerned about meeting enrollment goals. A recent survey of 239 institutions, for example, found that a large majority (71%) of respondents expressed moderate to extreme concern about achieving their enrollment targets.

Flexibility at work brings productivity, camaraderie, and a host of other benefits. ‍

Providing flexibility to employees could be even more beneficial than previously thought. ‍A couple major studies find that employees are more productive when they have flexibility. Specifically, they try harder, think more creatively, and typically stay with an organization longer.‍But the benefits go beyond that. 

AI is rapidly taking root in recruitment. According to our Hiring Humans report, 79.4% of business leaders see AI as a top priority for talent acquisition.These numbers underscore AI’s growing prominence in recruiting. But if not implemented properly, AI can degrade your hiring process, making it more complicated, biased, and inefficient.

Cultural fit is an important factor in finding the right candidate for a job. According to recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, candidates who mesh well with the teams they’re placed on are 84% better at meeting performance goals and 81% less likely to leave. These are real, tangible reasons to ensure your hires are a good fit for your company culture.