The recruitment market has seen a chaotic and tense couple of years. Various factors have caused a skills shortage and trends like quiet quitting and the Great Resignation, to name a few. To discuss the future of the recruitment market, Jesse Shah, nrol’s director, joins The HR Leader. The conversation touches on the current state of recruitment and what can be expected in the coming years. As we conclude the first quarter of 2024, Shah reflects on the noticeable uptick in recruitment activities compared to the previous year. This surge in hiring activities is good news for candidates; however, it creates harsh competition for employers. Salaries, undoubtedly, remain a significant factor influencing job changes. However, Shah underscores the growing importance of workplace culture and mental health considerations. The stress of being under-resourced and overworked has led candidates to value organisations that offer a better work/life balance alongside competitive pay. Addressing the gender disparity in the workplace, Shah acknowledges the impact of recent reporting by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. While the full effects of these reports are yet to be seen in recruitment practices, there’s an awareness and questioning of pay disparities among candidates. This awareness could potentially drive businesses to reassess their compensation structures to retain and attract top female talent.