Market Insights: The workforce moves to a new normal

As New Zealand eases its COVID-19 border restrictions, we are now finding the job market is returning to some resemblance of its normal, pre-Covid state, but not without a few key changes that are here to stay. These changes are encouraging both candidates and clients to look outside the existing norms of what they know about the job market and recruitment strategies, respectively.

As New Zealand goes through several financial changes like increased interest rates and price hikes, candidate expectations are now no longer the same as they were. It is important then, with opportunities increasing two-fold at the moment in what has been termed a ‘job seeker’s market’, for clients to look at their business and ask what they can offer in order to stand out.

The recent market boom has led to an increase in the movement of candidates seeking new opportunities, and candidates are now leaving their current jobs to seek positions that offer more attractive advantages alongside money, like flexibility, independence and autonomy within a role. Since Covid-19 and (multiple) lockdowns, these benefits have become of higher value for a large number of New Zealanders, especially those with families, and many businesses are responding to these changes and adapting accordingly.

On a similar note, clients are encouraged to look outside the norms of what they would usually be seeking in a candidate, like years of experience in a specific role or industry. This could include what kind of attributes or skills make the candidate a great fit for the role as just one example, with less focus on specific technical knowledge and experience.

At One Eighty, we have the contacts and the skills to seek your ideal candidate. We are no strangers to navigating market challenges, and we will work together with you to ensure both clients and candidates are satisfied regardless of what challenges may arise. This includes assessing the great benefits you already offer, and assisting you with additional offerings to attract top candidates and talent in the industry.

As New Zealand opens its borders, we may see the job market evolve yet again with the return of an international candidate flow. It is imperative then, to be able to adapt and to keep up with new ways of improving attraction and sourcing strategies.

The team at One Eighty are happy to talk about what this means for you in more detail, and assist you in making the perfect match. We understand the complexities of the market right now, and the difficulties associated with recruitment in a post-Covid world. Please contact us at One Eighty to discuss your recruitment and job needs.