Summary
Staffing trends 2025 Vs. 2024
| Aspect | Staffing Trends in 2024 | Staffing Trends in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Work | Increase in remote work opportunities as companies adopt hybrid work models | Continued rise in remote work arrangements as companies prioritize flexibility |
| Skills in Demand | High demand for tech skills such as data analysis and cybersecurity | Continued emphasis on tech skills, with a growing focus on AI and automation skills |
| Workforce Diversity | Emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives to create more inclusive work environments | Greater focus on workforce diversity and equity, with companies implementing more inclusive hiring practices |
| Gig Economy | Growth of gig economy workers and freelance opportunities | Expansion of gig economy opportunities, with more workers embracing flexible work arrangements |
| Employee Well-being | Focus on employee well-being, mental health support, and work-life balance | Heightened attention to employee well-being, with increased emphasis on mental health resources and wellness programs |
| Training and Development | Increased investment in employee training and upskilling programs | Continued focus on employee development, with more personalized training options and learning platforms |
Top 11 staffing trends for 2025
1. Remote work and hybrid work models
Remote work has become the norm, and in 2025 it will continue to thrive. Businesses will adopt hybrid work models, allowing employees to work both remotely and in-office, ensuring flexibility while maintaining collaboration. Employers will invest in robust remote work technologies and tools to support this shift.
2. Candidate Relationship Management
Candidate relationship management (CRM) is a growing trend in staffing that focuses on building and maintaining long-term relationships with potential candidates, even before they actively apply for positions. By using CRM tools, recruiters can engage with candidates through personalised content, keep them informed about job opportunities, and create a positive candidate experience. This proactive approach not only strengthens employer branding but also creates a pipeline of skilled candidates, reducing time-to-hire when new roles open up.
3. Gig economy and freelance talent
The gig economy is on the rise for many reasons, including increased interest in formerly disregarded potential employees. Recruiters have widened their focus from cities as the only source of high quality candidates and become increasingly open toward nontraditional employees like new parents or retirees, people with disabilities, or who were formerly incarcerated. In 2025, businesses will increasingly integrate freelance workers into their teams, promoting agility and cost-efficiency. Companies will focus on building strong relationships with freelancers to ensure a steady supply of high-quality talent.
4. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation
There are two uses of AI which are becoming more and more popular in staffing agencies, generative and automation. Automation will further streamline the staffing process in 2025. Organisations will leverage AI-powered tools for candidate sourcing, resume screening, and even video interviewing. Automation will reduce administrative tasks, allowing recruiters and HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. For example, Empower by Ringover will automatically transcribe audio files and identify key moments thanks to sentiment analysis and conversation intelligence.
5. Skills-based hiring and reskilling
Skills-based hiring will take precedence over traditional qualifications in 2025. Employers will prioritise candidates with specific skills aligned to their business needs. To bridge skill gaps, organisations will invest in employee training and upskilling programs, promoting continuous learning and talent advancement. Upskilling is also key as more new technology is introduced to workplaces to ensure they can deliver the performance gains expected.
6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Organisations are increasingly recognizing the benefits of diverse and inclusive workforces. In 2025, a strong emphasis will be placed on fostering DEI initiatives through inclusive hiring practices, unbiased job descriptions, and diverse interview panels. Employers will prioritise creating inclusive and equitable workplaces that embrace diversity in all its forms.
7. Data-driven decision making
In 2025, businesses will increasingly rely on data to drive staffing decisions. Recruitment analytics will be used to identify trends, measure the success of sourcing strategies, and improve candidate experience. Data-driven insights will help companies make informed talent acquisition and management decisions.
8. Employee well-being and mental health
The well-being of employees will take centre stage in 2025. Employers will prioritise mental health support, flexible work schedules, and work-life balance initiatives. Employee assistance programs and wellness resources will become essential tools for promoting a healthy and engaged workforce.
9. Employer branding and candidate experience
There's no secret there is a global labour shortage due to falling birth rates, ageing populations, and emerging economies. With increased competition for top talent, employer branding and candidate experience will play a crucial role. In 2025, organisations will focus on building strong employer brands, effectively communicating company values, and ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the hiring process.
10. Remote onboarding and virtual collaboration
Virtual onboarding will become an integral part of the staffing process in 2025. Businesses will leverage technology to create engaging remote onboarding experiences, integrating new employees seamlessly into the company culture. Virtual collaboration tools and platforms will facilitate remote teamwork and foster a sense of belonging.
11. Ethical and sustainable staffing practices
In alignment with growing social consciousness, organisations will prioritise ethical and sustainable staffing practices in 2025. Employers will assess the environmental and social impact of their recruitment strategies and prioritise partnerships with diversity-led and socially responsible staffing firms. Ensuring the company has sustainable staffing practices is also key to attract younger generations, as that can be a deciding factor for them.
Wrap-up
By 2025, the staffing industry is expected to undergo significant changes, with automation and AI playing a central role. According to Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), the global staffing market is projected to grow at a rate of 6% annually, reaching a value of $650 billion. Furthermore, McKinsey estimates that 47% of job activities could be automated by 2030, drastically impacting the staffing industry. As companies increasingly rely on data-driven recruitment strategies, employee flexibility and remote work trends are expected to dominate, with most employees having hybrid work models.
The staffing landscape is evolving rapidly, and businesses must adapt to emerging trends to stay competitive. Remote work, gig economy talent, AI, skills-based hiring, DEI initiatives, and other trends will shape the future of workforce management in 2025. By embracing these trends and leveraging innovative strategies, organisations can build agile, inclusive, and high-performing teams that thrive in the evolving world of work. Staying informed and proactive in implementing these trends will be vital for businesses looking to succeed in 2025 and beyond.
Staffing Trends FAQ
What is the staffing industry outlook for 2025?
The outlook for the staffing industry is very positive, as the American Staffing Association's most recent survey revealed staffing agencies are looking forward to a 2.1% revenue increase. This comes after previous surveys indicating a 3.2% YOY decline in revenue over 2023.
What is a staffing trend?
A staffing trend is a change or development within the staffing and recruitment industry which gains in popularity. Recruiting agencies often depend on staffing trend analysis to help them set strategy and objectives. Staffing trends can indicate not only the latest techniques, tools, and approaches working well for recruiters, they can also signal what types of candidates and industries will be in need of staffing support. In this way, staffing trends inform the tactics and objectives of recruitment agencies.
What are the future changes in staffing?
In the next year, staffing agencies will see significant evolutions in the following fields:
- Automation
- Skills-based hiring
- Evolving demographics
- Remote work
What are the five core of staffing?
The five core staffing tasks are:
- Selection
- Recruitment
- Employment
- Training
- Retention
