1. The skills shortage will worsen
This isn’t great news, but in 2015 it is expected that more than half of employers will have trouble finding candidates who are qualified enough for the positions they are advertising.
Because of the worsening skills gap, employers must be constantly on the lookout for ways to attract and retain the best of the best. Flexibility in the workplace is undervalued by employers who don’t fully understand the power of offering a little choice in hours and working conditions.
The skills gap is set to continue until school and university curriculums are more closely aligned with the needs of the job market.
2. The job hopping trend will continue
In 2015, more and more of us will be keeping an eye open for new opportunities, even when we are not considering an immediate move. It is expected that around 86% of employees are currently seeking opportunities outside of their current role. It is important that employers can build a work culture that will minimise the temptation to stray, in order to keep down staff turnover and save money on the hiring process.
3. Job searching on the go is booming
Last year there was a rise in jobseekers using mobile devices to search for new positions. Currently, 83% of jobseekers use smartphones to search for job openings. 45% of active job seekers have applied for a job on their mobile. Companies who do not have a fully functioning mobile site for job seekers would benefit from getting one in place, or adverting on external job site platforms.
4. Gen Y will start to close the pay gap
In June 2014 it was discovered that female bosses earn an average of 35% less than male colleagues at the same level. I was invited to speak out about the issue on STV Glasgow News. However, there is hope. It is expected that in 2015, Gen Y women will seize power. This may be partly due to increased availability of flexible working, and changing attitudes towards presenteeism.
The discrepancy between average salaries for full- and part-time workers is a major cause of pay inequality between the sexes because of the fact that women are currently more likely to work part-time than men. Companies disproportionately reward individuals for working long hours. However, as the attitudes of employers are changing in favour of results yielded rather than time spent at one’s desk, working longer hours are no longer relevant indicator of productivity.
5. Freelancing is on the up
As the economy gets back on track, the fluidity between employment and self-employment will continue to rise, and flexibility will become an advantage that the younger generation of workers will willingly move elsewhere to find. It’s not the flexible hours alone that are beneficial to them; it’s the feeling of control and independence it gives people. Studies have shown that if staff members feel that they are trusted, they work better. To keep these people within the workforce, businesses must be willing to be more honest and transparent about the availability of flexible working in their organizations.
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