Growing your team in 2025? Here’s why you need to start now

As 2025 approaches, hiring in a fast-paced world of work has become more urgent than ever. According to recent data, 77% of employers globally report difficulty in filling roles, marking the highest talent shortage in 17 years (ManpowerGroup, 2023)​. With rapid advancements in automation, digitisation, and evolving skill demands, companies that fail to act now risk losing out on top talent.

The Importance of Time to Hire

In today’s competitive environment, time to hire is becoming increasingly critical. The average time from application to hire is more important than ever because extended hiring processes can lead to losing candidates to competitors who move faster. This becomes particularly significant when considering time to hire vs time to fill, where companies need to streamline hiring without compromising the quality of candidates.

According to LinkedIn Talent Solutions, 69% of talent professionals say that proactive workforce planning will be essential to overcoming recruitment challenges by 2025 (LinkedIn Talent Solutions, 2023). Companies that plan ahead and move swiftly in their hiring efforts will be in a better position to secure top talent in high-demand sectors.

Automation and Its Impact on the Workforce

Automation continues to reshape the workforce. By 2030, up to 30% of global job roles could be impacted by automation, particularly in roles related to technology, data, and automation management (McKinsey, 2021). As automation spreads across industries, the demand for future-ready skills is rapidly increasing.

A ManpowerGroup report reveals that 78% of employers globally report difficulty in finding skilled workers in areas such as IT and data, engineering, and sales and marketing. This shortage is particularly severe in high-demand sectors such as healthcare and life sciences, where 77% of employers are struggling to fill positions (ManpowerGroup, 2023)​. Companies that start hiring and training talent for automation-related roles now will be far better positioned for the future.

The Best Time to Hire is Now

When is the best time of year to find a new job? The start of the year, particularly January and February, is often considered the prime hiring season. The “new year, new job” mindset motivates candidates to explore fresh opportunities, and businesses that prepare early can tap into a larger pool of motivated candidates.

For companies, this period offers the best time to hire new employees, as candidates are actively seeking new roles. Early recruitment efforts allow businesses to reduce their time to hire and secure top talent before competitors can. In a market as competitive as today’s, acting early makes all the difference in winning the war for talent.

Employer Branding: A Must for 2025

As competition for top talent intensifies, a strong employer brand has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting and retaining employees. Employer branding goes beyond listing perks and benefits, it’s about showcasing your company’s values, culture, and the work environment you foster.

According to ManpowerGroup, the demand for talent has outpaced supply in sectors such as transport and logistics, automotive, and financial services​. A strong employer brand strategy can help your company stand out in these competitive industries.

Why is employer branding important? A compelling brand not only attracts the right candidates but also plays a critical role in employee retention. Employees who align with a company’s values and culture are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and lowering recruitment costs. Furthermore, a well-crafted employer brand strengthens a company’s reputation, making it easier to attract high-quality candidates in the future.

Employee Retention: The Other Side of Hiring

Hiring the right people is only the first step, keeping them engaged and satisfied is just as important. High turnover rates can severely impact a business, both financially and operationally. Employee retention is crucial for maintaining continuity, preserving institutional knowledge, and reducing the costs associated with recruitment and training.

Why is employee retention important? Retaining talented employees helps businesses maintain a stable workforce and ensures that knowledge and expertise remain within the company. Moreover, improving employee retention contributes to a stronger employer brand, as satisfied employees are more likely to speak positively about their workplace.

Improving retention starts with fostering a supportive and engaging work environment. Offering professional growth opportunities, a clear career path, and a positive work-life balance are all essential for keeping employees motivated and committed.

Winning the War for Talent in 2025

As talent shortages continue to rise, the war for talent will become even more competitive by 2025. The latest data from ManpowerGroup indicates that 77% of organisations globally are struggling to find the skills they need, with the biggest shortages seen in sectors such as IT, transport, and healthcare​.

Here’s how your business can get ahead:

1. Refine your recruitment process: Reducing your average time to hire without sacrificing quality is critical in securing top talent before your competitors.

2. Plan for the future: Anticipate future skills needs, especially as automation reshapes industries, and start hiring talent who can adapt to these changes. Companies that act now to build a future-ready workforce will be better equipped to handle the challenges of 2025 and beyond.

3. Invest in employer branding: A strong employer brand helps your company stand out in a competitive job market. Not only will it help attract the right candidates, but it also improves employee retention, reducing turnover and cutting recruitment costs.

4. Leverage peak hiring times: The new year provides a unique opportunity to capture motivated job seekers. Align your recruitment efforts with the peak hiring season to access a larger pool of high-quality candidates.

5. Focus on retention: By improving employee retention, you’ll build a more stable, committed workforce. Satisfied employees are more likely to stay, reducing the time and cost spent on recruitment.

Preparing for the Talent Challenges of Tomorrow

The global job market is facing unprecedented challenges, with 77% of organisations reporting difficulties in finding the talent they need (ManpowerGroup, 2023)​. 

Talent Shortage in Technology: By 2025, it's expected that there will be a global shortage of 85 million job roles, particularly in tech due to the lack of skilled workers. This prediction aligns with broader workforce trends highlighted in ManpowerGroup’s 2023 "Global Talent Shortage" report, which shows 77% of organisations are already facing difficulties filling key roles (ManpowerGroup, 2023). 

But businesses that act now, focusing on reducing their time to hire, building a compelling employer brand, and improving employee retention will be well-positioned to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Start building your recruitment strategy today. By acting early, you’ll ensure that your business can secure the talent it needs to succeed in a rapidly changing world of work.