The future of work has been and continues to be widely discussed, especially in the last two years.

How workplaces and work relationships will change, which jobs will be created and lost, how much further technology will disrupt processes and operations – all are crucial questions. In developed economies, the future of work has been unfolding for quite some time. One lesson that our 50 years of experience in the recruiting industry have taught us is that the fundamental question for employers remains the same: how to attract and retain talent?

Organisations in Europe are intensively searching for talent to meet business needs and sustain growth.

Amidst geopolitical crises, rising inflation and a pandemic seemingly subdued but not yet over, will increasing headcounts be enough? The short answer is no.

An ageing Europe coupled with the accelerated automation and digital transformation is now having a visible impact on the labour market. Organisations across sectors are experiencing a skills shortage that will, in all likelihood, become more severe in knowledge-intensive sectors but concerns any business needing highly skilled workers. When 61% of professionals on average in Europe are considering changing jobs in 2022, is offering higher salaries to attract new talent or prevent employees from leaving effective? How much more and for how much longer can employers increase wages, considering budgets are not endless and skill is not available?

Whilst businesses recognise that matching consumer expectations in fast-changing economies is a sound business strategy, employers struggle to see that the skilled workforce won’t settle for less than they think they deserve – not for long. Much has changed in a continent where the talent pool is not only shallow but is also more confident and vocal about their needs and aspirations.