Talent Acquisition Newswatch - Issue 2.02
From agentic AI to DOI, rebuild trust, optimize pay, and outpace talent trends in the future of work
TOP STORIES
AI
Agentic AI Takes the Wheel in HR Strategy
A new PwC report warns that next‑gen “agentic AI”, systems able to set goals and make decisions autonomously, will redefine work and HR. While traditional AI tools enhance productivity, agentic AI could reshape roles, automate complex tasks, and drive strategic outcomes. However, companies must address governance, ethics, and workforce impacts before fully deploying these systems. HR leaders are urged to lead AI strategy, upskill employees in AI oversight, and establish policies to ensure responsible use. Those who embed agentic AI thoughtfully may unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Middle‑Management Cuts Trigger Compensation Concerns
A Korn Ferry and HR Dive survey finds 72% of senior executives say recent slashes to middle management are straining organizations. With fewer managers overseeing larger teams, employees report heavier workloads and unclear career paths, putting pressure on compensation strategies. Companies are weighing pay increases, spot bonuses, and benefits enhancements to retain staff, but budget constraints loom. Experts advise transparent communication around pay decisions and targeted rewards for high-impact roles to mitigate turnover risks.
DEI
Shifting from DEI to DOI: The Power of Inclusion in Action
Organizations are replacing cumbersome “DEI” labels with “DOI” (Diversity, Opportunity, Inclusion) to emphasize actionable outcomes over buzzwords. DOI focuses on granting employees clear pathways for advancement and holding leaders accountable for equitable practices. Case studies show DOI frameworks increase promotion rates for underrepresented groups by embedding opportunity metrics into performance reviews. By reframing the conversation around tangible improvements rather than broad ideals, companies hope to build trust and sidestep political backlash.
HR INSIGHTS
Rebuilding Trust: HR’s New Priority Post‑Pandemic
A recent HR Dive analysis reveals rebuilding employee trust has emerged as a top HR mandate. With hybrid models proliferating, inconsistent communication and fragmented experiences have eroded confidence in leadership. HR leaders recommend regular “voice of employee” surveys, transparent decision‑making forums, and manager training on empathetic communication. Organizations that prioritize trust-building see 20% higher engagement scores and 15% lower turnover.
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
The Executive Ejection Seat: When C‑Suite Turnover Spikes
Korn Ferry research uncovers a surge in CEO and C‑suite departures amid economic volatility and technological disruption. Leaders face a three‑fold challenge: driving short‑term results, guiding digital transformation, and maintaining culture. The report finds executives often overinvest in immediate performance at the expense of long‑range vision, leading boards to demand fresh leadership. To stay grounded, seasoned leaders should cultivate succession plans, balance innovation with operational discipline, and regularly solicit candid feedback from stakeholders.
RECRUITING & RETENTION
Ghosted by Employers: Jobseekers Sound the Alarm
A new People Management study reports that 58% of applicants never hear back after submitting CVs. This “application black hole” frustrates candidates and harms employer branding. Recruitment professionals are urged to automate acknowledgments, set clear response timelines, and provide brief feedback to rejected applicants. Early engagement, such as pre‑screening messages and transparent hiring stages, can reduce ghosting by 35% and boost candidate experience scores.
LABOUR MARKET TRENDS
Class of 2025 Faces Fierce Competition for Scarce Roles
HR Dive’s analysis of spring graduate hiring shows entry‑level openings down 12% year‑over‑year, even as new graduates rise by 5%. Sectors like tech and finance remain selective, favouring candidates with internships and digital certifications. Universities are advising students to diversify skill sets, combining STEM knowledge with communication and project management proficiencies. Employers, in turn, are experimenting with talent pipelines that include virtual internships and cohort-based training to onboard graduates more efficiently.
EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
Burdened and Checked Out: UK’s Emotional Engagement Crisis: Over 70% of UK employees report low emotional engagement, ranking among Europe’s worst, per a People Management study. Key drivers include high workloads, insufficient mental‑health support, and limited career development. Employers are urged to implement regular well‑being check‑ins, manager training in emotional intelligence, and clear paths for progression to reverse disengagement trends.
The Global Engagement Quagmire: What’s Next?: Research reveals a worldwide engagement slump: average scores have plunged 10 points in five years. Remote‑work fatigue, managerial inconsistencies, and pandemic aftershocks top the culprits. Experts recommend hybrid‑friendly cultures, streamlined communication channels, and “well‑being sprints”, short, focused initiatives on mental health, to reignite employee commitment.
Burned‑Out and Always On: Fixing the Well‑Being Crisis: New research highlights that 65% of workers feel burned out yet remain perpetually “logged on.” The article urges companies to adopt mandatory offline windows, manager‑led digital‑detox challenges, and personalized resilience programs. Early adopters report a 30% drop in stress leave and a 12% rise in productivity.
Hiring on Vibes: The Skills You’re Overlooking: Research finds that 60% of recruiters admit to hiring based on “cultural fit” rather than verified skills. This “vibes over value” approach can backfire, leading to competency gaps and higher turnover. Best practice: integrate structured skills assessments into interviews and standardize scorecards to align cultural alignment with objective proficiency.
Generative AI Turns Candidates Cold: According to survey, 42% of jobseekers hesitate to apply to companies leveraging generative AI in hiring, fearing bias and impersonal processes. Transparency about AI’s role alongside human oversight, and offering opt‑out options can rebuild candidate trust and broaden talent pools.
One‑Third of Europeans Poised to Quit Over U.S. Work Trends: HCAMag reports that 34% of European workers would resign if forced into U.S.‑style high‑intensity work models. Concerns include extended hours, reduced flexibility, and heightened performance pressures. Employers are advised to co‑create hybrid policies with staff and pilot flexible schedules before imposing U.S. norms.
Ageist AI: A Costly Bias in Automation: The Conversation warns that AI recruiting tools often downgrade older candidates due to biased training data. Besides being unethical, this practice excludes experienced talent and inflates hiring costs. Organizations should audit algorithms for age bias, diversify training datasets, and blend AI screening with human review.
Fear Factor: When AI Risks Overshadow Rewards: University of Zurich research finds employees overestimate AI risks data breaches, job loss by 40%. This skewed perception hinders adoption. Transparent risk‑benefit communications, hands‑on AI pilots, and cross‑functional AI Champions can demystify technology and accelerate uptake.
Riding Political Headwinds: Preparing Your Organization: Findings outline how shifting political climates from trade disputes to regulatory swings, can disrupt workforce planning. Leaders should scenario‑plan potential policy changes, maintain agile talent strategies, and engage in public policy dialogues to safeguard operations.
Engineers Wanted: Demand Far Outpaces Supply: ASME reports engineering job openings exceed qualified applicants by 35%. Key shortages lie in robotics, AI, and renewable energy disciplines. Solutions include partnering with universities on joint curriculum, offering apprenticeship pathways, and upskilling existing staff to bridge the gap.
CAREER SUCCESS
20 Prep Questions Before Your Next Job Hunt: Consider these 20 self‑reflection prompts, ranging from “What motivates you beyond salary?” to “Which culture traits energize you?”, to sharpen your search strategy. Candidates who clarify priorities, skill gaps, and target industries before applying report higher interview call backs and job‑offer rates.
INTERVIEW & JOB SEARCH SUCCESS
Turn Rejection into Opportunity: Your Next Move: Here’s a three‑step post‑rejection playbook: request concise feedback, showcase enhanced skills via a brief project or case study, and reapply with an updated portfolio. Jobseekers who used this approach saw a 25% increase in second‑chance interviews.
3 TOOLS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR CAREER & PRODUCTIVITY
✅ OpenJobs: A ****smart job search assistant. You tell it what you’re looking for (by typing a description or uploading your CV), and it finds the best job matches, helps you polish your application, and guides you through each step until you land the role.
✅ ResumaidPro: An AI tool that instantly creates and customizes your resumes, cover letters and follow‑up emails while tracking your applications.
✅ Arcwise AI: An AI add‑on for Google Sheets that lets you ask questions in plain English and instantly get data analyses, charts, and reports.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Find the courage to grow into the person you’ve always envisioned yourself becoming.” – Meggan Roxanne