At Indeed's recent event, FutureWorks, leading HR and recruitment specialists took to the stage at Indeed’s FutureWorks conference for 2024. Among them was Lauren Anderson, Talent Strategy Advisor at Indeed, who presented Indeed’s vision of ‘Better Work for All’, delving into emerging HR technologies, employee well-being, and the strategic importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB+).
What is 'better work'?
Better work means listening closely to job-seekers when it comes to issues of pay and transparency, wellbeing and flexibility, and diversity and inclusion. Alongside this listening, organisations can look forward to the transformative potential of AI technology, while developing a clear understanding of the benefits as well as the risks of its use. Despite the increasing significance of technology, however, it will always be the human touch that defines a mutually rewarding experience of work for both employer and employee.
Finding the sweet spot - humanity + technology
The pivotal question arises: how do we ensure the 'human' element remains integral to human resources? Listening to the needs of the workforce becomes imperative to strike a balance between technological innovation and human relationships and oversight.
Pay and transparency
As Anderson outlined in her presentation, pay and compensation rank highest for why Australians choose to apply for new roles. Lack of salary information, meanwhile, stands out as the primary reason why Australians hesitate. This is particularly important given that competitive compensation is shown to be the primary incentive for workers to stay with their current employers.
The presentation's data further underscored the strategic importance of listing salaries. Job postings on Indeed with salaries displayed receive up to 30% more applications.
And yet, Such postings represent only 37% of the total ads on Indeed. With 'Better Work for All' calling for a paradigm shift in organisational practices, the recommendation to list salaries is an actionable step towards aligning with the expectations of the modern workforce.
Wellbeing and flexibility
For Australians, work-life balance takes precedence over salary, with flexible working hours emerging as the top benefit sought during job searches. For most Australians, two days working from home is ideal. As with pay and compensation, Anderson further encourages organisations to be transparent about the flexibility they offer, recognising its pivotal role in employee satisfaction.
Diversity and inclusion
Australia's diverse demographic landscape underscores the importance of prioritising diversity and inclusion initiatives. While jobseekers value organisations that champion diversity, these initiatives often rank low on employers' priority lists.
Although over 80% of Australians view DEIB+ support as a vital aspect of an organisation, approximately 28% of Australian companies lack any initiatives, and only 13% of employers plan to tackle these issues in the coming year.
Unlocking the full potential of the modern workforce requires a deliberate and strategic approach towards DEIB+. In a world where talent is as diverse as it is skilled, organisations can benefit from actively broadcasting their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. By leveraging targeted marketing channels, companies not only attract a broader pool of candidates but also send a clear message of alignment with their values. It's not just a recruitment strategy; it's a meaningful step towards thriving, human-centred workplaces.
Embracing technology
Harnessing artificial intelligence judiciously can yield significant advantages for recruitment and HR overall. We learned during our FutureWorks 2023 conference that jobseekers are 17 times more likely to apply to an AI-plus-human match than to search alone, underscoring the positive impact of incorporating AI tools into the hiring process. Indeed's Smart Sourcing capabilities exemplify this, providing employers with candidates whose profiles align seamlessly with job openings. This proactive approach empowers recruiters to initiate contact, capitalising on the increased responsiveness of candidates when approached proactively. While embracing the benefits of AI in recruitment, it may be useful to emphasise the importance of using these tools responsibly. Responsible AI implementation ensures fair and unbiased decision-making, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Striking a balance between technological efficiency and ethical considerations is paramount for creating a workplace that leverages AI's potential while upholding human values and principles.
Keep 'human' at the core of 'human resources'
In the words of Steve Jobs, 'Technology alone is not enough'. The human touch remains indispensable in human resources. The delicate balance between listening closely and embracing technology ensures a recruitment process that is not just simpler and faster but, most importantly, more human.
The true strength of an organisation lies in the well-being and satisfaction of its human capital. In essence, 'humanity' in HR permeates every facet of the employee lifecycle, creating a workplace where individuals are not just assets but valued contributors to a shared vision of 'Better Work for All'.
In conclusion
The pursuit of better work in 2024 and beyond is multifaceted. It demands transparency, embraces diversity, prioritises employee wellbeing, and harnesses technology to amplify human connections. Organisations that strike this delicate balance are poised to lead the way towards a future where work is not just efficient but inherently better for all.
