Crystal ball gazing…

As part of a recent streamlining of the LJW Employment Solutions website, I decided to try and get back to writing more regular blog posts.

After more than 30 years in recruitment, I’ve seen many changes; good and bad. So what does the future hold?

The good (bad) old days

Back when I started this business we were having probably the biggest recession in decades. This resulted in a candidate surplus, the likes of which I haven’t seen since. In those days the hardest part of any recruitment project was dealing with the huge number of applicants. Today, it’s very difficult getting any applicants for most positions.

50% less staff?

So what does the future hold? Unfortunately I don’t really know, but I think it’s safe to assume that things will be very different.

I recently read an article that suggested in 5-10 years, many dealerships will have 50% less staff. My first reaction to that was surprise, but upon further reading it was suggested that this headcount reduction will be due to outsourcing and automation.

We are already seeing evidence of automation and turning customers into unpaid workers; I’m looking at you, supermarket self checkouts!

In dealerships, a lot of staff rationalisation will probably happen in the service department, with automated self check in kiosks already starting to become more common. In most instances I’m okay with this sort of technology, providing there’s the option of dealing with an actual human if the need arises.

Effective training processes will become vital

Finding people to fill these “actual human” roles is unlikely to become easier. As older workers retire, it will become necessary to reconsider the candidate profile required to fill a specific role. Rightly or wrongly, younger people have a very different attitude towards work which means a higher turnover of people.

Employers will need to develop adequate processes, systems and training that will allow them to give new people without previous experience, an acceptable level of competency in a relatively short space of time.

Staff retention more important than ever

More importantly, employers will need to spend time, effort and money in creating a positive workplace culture that helps retain good staff. Like planting a tree, the best time to do this was 20 years ago, but the second best time is NOW!

Need help with current or future recruitment matters?

Call or message Laurie Williams on 0412 523 168