A new survey has revealed that a quarter of people working in recruitment are struggling to cope with their stress levels. The study, which was conducted by specialist talent acquisition software provider Tribepad, shows the impact that the global talent crisis is having on those tasked with filling roles in a market where candidates are in control, vacancies have reached record highs, and one-click applications are overwhelming.
Alongside those who are struggling to cope with stress levels, the survey of more than 500 recruitment and HR professionals found that 39% of respondents admit to having stressful days. Perhaps more worrying, however, is the fact that just 6% of those questioned admitted that their work-life is currently manageable.
“We’re living in a candidate driven market, which has its benefits for job seekers. But the other side of this is an area rarely explored – the impact it has on those people tasked with filling those roles,” said Tribepad CEO, Dean Sadler.
“Our survey reveals the impact that the talent crisis is taking on those working on the frontlines of recruitment. Burnout, a lack of recognition, and mounting pressures are placing a toll on those on the frontline. Companies need to invest in their HR teams, providing them with the support and tools they need to meet the exceptional demands that are currently being placed upon them.”
The changing job landscape isn’t just adding to recruiters’ workloads however, it’s also taking its toll on their teams. When asked, the biggest cause of work-related stress among respondents was staffing issues within their own teams (25%). That was followed by tight deadlines (10%) and pressure to recruit the right people (12%).
A lack of suitable talent applying for roles (13%) also featured among the reasons for increased stress among HR professionals. Indeed, more than half (59%) of those questioned revealed that they had seen a noticeable decrease in the quality of applications within the past year.
Those numbers were even more pronounced in regions such as the East of England (74%) North West (70%), Scotland (69%) and Yorkshire and Humberside (67%) – suggesting that the UK is experiencing a clear regional divide when it comes to application quality in the current market.
“Whilst one click applications are convenient for candidates, they can overwhelm hiring managers,” added Sadler. “Application spam as it’s called is a growing issue that slows down recruitment, due to the sheer volume of CVs being received, many of which are coming from people who are either unsuitable or unqualified for the role they’re applying for.”
But those in the profession want to do the right thing, with over half (55%) saying that addressing bias is something they are personally passionate about. However, despite clearly playing a business critical role, and essential not only to recruiting talented people, but creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, only one third (35%) believe they are highly valued and seen as critical for business success.
“Companies simply must recognise how important HR and talent acquisition teams are, and act now to ease their workload. Business and society needs recruiters who are top of their game, and there is a real risk of this generation burning out as a result of the strain that’s being put on them. Without good people being recruited, businesses will simply collapse. So we need good people to bring those candidates in – and we need to look after them with good support and good tools.”
https://tribepad.com/whitepaper/state-of-the-recruitment-sector-report/
