Motivating Candidates in a Contracting Labor Market
The labor market has experienced tremendous changes over the last few years, with remote work and flexibility taking the lead as the highest priorities for job seekers. However, recent trends indicate that stability is now the most important factor for candidates.
This shift in priorities is affecting the material handling industry and its talent pool. To stay competitive and attract the best talent, it’s crucial for companies to understand these changing motivations and work with professional recruiters to access top-tier candidates.
Remote Work and Flexibility
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work across various industries. According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2021, 53% of US employees reported working from home and having a greater work-life balance was “very important” to them, with 44% wanting to continue working remotely post-pandemic. Flexibility was a top priority for many, and companies adjusted their policies accordingly to attract talent.
The Shift Towards Stability
As headlines continue to promote the likelihood of an upcoming recession, candidate priorities have shifted. A recent survey by PWC shows that job stability now ranks as the top priority for job seekers, with 60% of respondents citing job stability as their primary concern. Candidates are looking for companies that provide long-term career prospects and opportunities for growth, rather than just a flexible work environment.
Impact on the Material Handling Industry
Although hiring in the material handling industry remains robust, this change in priorities has impacted its talent pool.
Companies that fail to provide job security and opportunities for growth may struggle to attract the best candidates. In the current environment, it’s more important than ever for companies to recognize and address these shifting priorities in order to remain competitive.
Working with Recruiters: Access to Top Talent
In the face of these changes, working with a recruiter can be invaluable. Recruiters have access to gainfully employed, successful candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities or browsing job boards. Partnering with a recruiter allows your company to tap into this hidden talent pool and attract the best candidates in the industry.
In fact, 73% of potential candidates are passive job seekers who are currently employed and open to hearing about new job opportunities but also too hesitant to apply.
Want access to top talent that will make a difference for your company? Contact us at (616) 742-1505 or click here.
Conclusion
As the labor market contracts and candidate priorities shift, it’s essential for companies to adapt their hiring strategies. Emphasizing stability and offering opportunities for growth can help businesses in the material handling industry stand out and attract the best candidates. Working with a recruiter can provide access to a wider pool of qualified candidates, ensuring your company stays competitive in the ever-evolving labor market.
Featured Opportunities
At Pioneer Search Group, we understand a change in your career or employment is a huge decision and if you’re going to make a move it has to be the right one. We use the old-fashioned method of getting to know the people involved and we can’t do that with an automated computer search. For us to properly advise you on your next career move, we need to get to know you.
Sales Manager
- A major equipment dealer in a large growth mode managing a group of new unit sls people.
- Must have a proven track-record managing/hiring/firing growing sls within a B2B equipment sales org
- Location: Dallas, TX
National Account Sales
- Large material handling equipment dealer with a huge footprint selling into large fleet accounts in the Northeast.
- Prior large account sls exp a must out of a B2B direct selling plan.
- Location: Boston or Philadelphia
Are you currently successful in your material handling / automation career but looking for a career change? Let’s talk!
About Pioneer Search Group
We recruit the old fashioned way. That’s what makes us different. We use a personalized selection process to match individuals with employers. We are skilled recruiters who know how to find someone who isn’t necessarily looking for a new opportunity. Know what you’re looking for in an employee? We’ll find it!
Pioneer Search Group, 500 Cascade West Parkway, Suite 170, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506, United States