The Latest Hiring Trends Tell a Fascinating Story

According to an analysis of more than 4,500 companies by Scoop, a software firm that tracks workplace policies, and People Data Labs, a data technology company, companies with remote or hybrid policies are hiring people at about twice the rate of those requiring full-time attendance.

But despite pushback from employees over the increased pressure to return to the old ways of working, many employers have pressed on with their back-to-the-office plans.  Approximately one million U.S. workers were asked to return to their offices full-time after Labor Day.

Between the cost of commuting, desk lunches, and paying for childcare, in-office workers are earning 10% less than their remote counterparts.  So, it’s not surprising that employers that allow their staff to do their jobs from home are faring better with job seekers.

Also, it appears that three days per week in the office is where job candidates draw the line.  Employers mandating a four-day week in the office experienced a significant drop in headcount growth, while those expecting staff to head in between one and three days a week experienced similar levels of growth.

Jill, What Can I Do?  If you want to have higher levels of engagement, abandon mandating that employees return to the office full time.  Hybrid models better reflect the needs of today’s workers.  Additionally, in the current tight labor market, some form of flexible work is the only way forward for workplaces that want to keep a competitive edge by hiring the best talent.