Twenty2 welcomed the opportunity to be part of a recent Daily Express discussion about the job market at the end of 2023 and predictions for 2024.
Our Founder and Recruitment Director, Hayley discussed the challenges that hiring late in the year can present. She adds that, despite this, businesses are often keen to hire in preparation for the new year and candidates shouldn’t ever wait to submit their applications.
Although the article was somewhat negative regarding the current state of the job market, the Twenty2 perspective stood out as a positive voice for recruiters and employers in the UK.
Our positive outlook is echoed by Adam Myers, Head of HR Consulting at Stellamar, who anticipates “a lot of optimism for recruiting and business growth going into 2024.”
Click here to read the original article.
The 2023 jobs market has seen a lot of change, especially in the last quarter and with the recent announcement of the Autumn Statement. With workers striking, job vacancies falling and wages increasing, the after effects of the pandemic and the economic consequences of this are still being felt.
But how will this change going into 2024? Take a look at our predictions for the new year including our thoughts on remote jobs, company branding and the threat of AI.
The world of remote working was embraced during Covid, but we’re now seeing a clear shift in employer mindset around working from home. Many employers are asking their remote staff to return to office working, at least on a hybrid basis. We are expecting this to continue to rise in 2024, with further emphasis on the importance of employee wellbeing and promoting a positive company culture.
Building office-based teams or bringing people back from remote working means that it’s vital that companies find staff that fit their values and work well together. We predict a rise in the importance of personality fit during the interview stages of the hiring process. Researching the company, looking at their social media feeds and utilising websites like Glassdoor can help you to understand the culture and decide if you want to be considered.
Further to this, we predict that the digital space for job vacancies and recruiters will only develop and transform further. The need to be present on social media (especially if you’re hiring) is imperative in this digital age. Building and maintaining your online brand will continue to be a top priority for businesses in 2024. For help with your company’s social media and online presence, contact our team who can offer advice, guidance and practical support.
Following the recent announcement of the Autumn Statement, we now know that big changes are coming up in 2024. This includes increases to the Minimum Wage in April and National Insurance tax cuts from January. The cost of living and job security are issues high on the agendas of candidates that we speak to, whether this will lead to potential candidates being less likely to make a job move, only time will tell. Learn more about the Autumn Statement by clicking here.
Finally, there’s the seemingly ever-present threat of AI and its impact on the jobs market. Do we think a lot will change in 2024? No, not really. Do we think that in 5 years’ time, AI will have an impact on our jobs? Yes, 100%. We know that there are a lot of flaws with AI-generated content, chatbots and automation online, so it will likely take a lot longer for AI to completely take over our jobs. So, if you’re reading an article about losing your job to a robot in 2024, close your browser and enjoy a nice long walk outside.
The world of recruitment is ever-evolving and employers can easily feel overwhelmed by the constant changes in technology, the employment landscape and the economy. The Twenty2 team are here to help you navigate this. We offer 1:1 meetings with our clients to discuss their requirements in detail and prevent any confusion around the hiring process. Ask us anything! Get in touch today.
If you’re a fully remote worker, seeing pictures and Instagram reels of office Christmas parties or roast dinners can create some intense FOMO (fear of missing out!).
But even if you’re based miles away from your team, this shouldn’t stop you from embracing the Christmas spirit while working from home.
Here are our tips to get you in the festive spirit while remote working…
When you work from home, it’s more important than ever to make sure the Christmas decorations are up! Being able to appreciate them and feel festive at all hours of the day is a huge mood booster when the gloomy winter weather kicks in.
Spice up your morning coffee or tea with a festive blend
Invest in an advent calendar that gives you a new treat every day!
Did you know that smells can boost brain activity? Treat yourself to some Christmas-themed aromatherapy to improve your mood and promote productivity this festive season. And relax at the end of the day with a calming scent to wind down.
If you can’t get together in person, arrange a virtual Christmas party where you can socialise with your coworkers, take part in fun activities or even exchange secret Santa gifts that can be posted in advance. A Christmas quiz always goes down a treat!
Using fun filters, props and costumes can bring some festive flair to regular Zoom or Teams meetings. It’s also a great way to take a festive photo of your remote team all together to share on social media.
Do you listen to music or the radio while you’re working? Make sure it’s Christmas-themed! Our top recommendations for Christmas radio are Heart Xmas (106.3) and Magic Radio (105.4). And you can also listen online or on your smart speaker!
Or if you’re more into podcasts, we love The Calm Christmas Podcast with Beth Kempton – a wellbeing author sharing her insight into managing a stress-free Christmas. A very cosy, wholesome listen and perfect if you often feel overwhelmed during the festive season.
Christmas is also the perfect time to reflect on the past year and how far you’ve come. Make sure to express your gratitude for the hard work of your colleagues and team. Sending gifts or e-cards is a great way to personalise the experience.
But if you’re finding it challenging to juggle work and personal commitments, remember to take time for yourself and set those all-important boundaries.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, from the Twenty2 team!
Twenty2 are excited to be featured in a recent MailOnline article about flexible working and ‘Gen Z’ workers.
The topic of hybrid working is heavily debated and a popular, post-pandemic talking point. Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, the world has seen a sharp rise in the number of workers wanting to work completely or partially from home. Businesses are learning that they don’t need to have staff in the office Monday to Friday and are benefitting from this. On the other hand, many businesses are encouraging staff to return to in-office working, sparking further debate.
Read the full article by clicking the link at the end of this blog.
There are many pros and cons of remote working that can’t be overlooked. Pros of flexible working can include increased employee retention, satisfaction and productivity. As a recruitment and training consultancy, we know that flexible working and the option of hybrid working are very desirable to most candidates and can lead to an increase in job applicants and a greater chance of successfully hiring into the role.
Reading the Mail Online article, there is a lot of discussion about the perceived negative side to homeworking. The article cites the opinions of Channel 4’s CEO, Alex Mahon who claims that Gen Z don’t want to work in an office environment and they lack the “skills to debate, disagree and work alongside people with different opinions” due to pandemic lockdowns. Whilst it is important to recognise and factor in this viewpoint when considering the option of hybrid and home working, our founder, Hayley Grange takes a more optimistic approach around Gen Z, offering a voice for young workers and an alternative viewpoint.
At Twenty2, we’re passionate about finding the role that’s the perfect fit for you and your career, whether that’s a fully office-based role, a fully remote role or anything in between. Likewise, we want to support businesses to make good, long-term hires. We know from experience that remote and office-based roles work well for all age groups and adopt an approach that is right for the individual
We pride ourselves on our honest, consultative approach to recruitment, consultancy and training working with candidates and clients to build strong and lasting relationships.
We’re able to support anyone searching for their dream role in the HR, Finance, Legal, Office Support and Sales and Marketing sectors across the East Midlands and Staffordshire. As well as offering advice and consultancy to businesses on how they can approach recruitment in a tight labour market.
Twenty2’s own Marketing Assistant, Lucy Moult, joined the team in 2021 after spending the final years of her university degree in and out of national lockdowns. She says, “It is hard to hear these negative stereotypes about Gen Z. I am happy we were featured in this article as a way of offering a different perspective on the debate. My personal experience and the wider experience of the recruitment team at Twenty2, has shown that some of the broad statements and generalisations about an entire generation are not only misguided but potentially damaging. The isolation of the Covid lockdowns arguably made me more interested in an office-based role with an in-person team but also taught me how to effectively work from home.”
Digital Marketing & Admin Assistant, Lucy recently celebrated her 2 year milestone with Twenty2
To summarise, flexible working is not an age-based issue. All generations have differing preferences and reasons for wanting to work from home, be in the office full time or adopt a hybrid approach, as do the businesses looking to recruit. The idea that Gen Z views office work as an “inherent negative” is simply untrue and could potentially lead to businesses missing out on top talent.
Our team are here to support you or your business whatever your working preferences. Looking to hire office-based employees or searching for a hybrid opportunity? We’re here to help. If you’re based in the East Midlands or Staffordshire area, reach out to our team today.
Read the original article by clicking here.
Due to the success of our September Offer last month, we’ve made the decision to launch our Autumn Offer as an extension of this!
Until the 20th of October, we’re offering 10% recruitment fees to new and existing clients.
Here’s what’s in store:
✨ Elevate Your Team: Experience improved efficiency and performance.
✨ Streamlined Recruitment: We’ll help you find the perfect talent for your needs.
✨ Top-Tier Support: Access our expertise to build a strong foundation for growth.
✨ Exclusive Savings: Make the most of this limited-time offer!
Autumn is the perfect time to invest in your business’s future and end 2023 on a high.
Ready to learn more? Drop us a message here on our website or email info@22consultancy.co.uk to find out how our Autumn Offer can benefit your business.
1. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or promotions.
2. The offer is not available on past or future roles registered with Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy Ltd and only applies to roles registered with Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy Ltd during the time period specified.
3. This offer is limited to one role per client.
4. Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy Ltd does not guarantee the successful placement of a candidate for the registered vacancy.
5. Signed Terms of Business and a full job description must be provided within the specified time frame of 01/10/2023 to 20/10/2023.
6. The offer must be applied at the point of sale and cannot be applied retrospectively.
7. The offer and discount is not exchangeable for cash or credit, and is non-transferable.
8. Our usual recruitment terms apply and any refunds will be in line with this.
Twenty2 are so excited to be introducing our September Offer – a limited-time deal guaranteed to save you time and money on your recruitment this month.
There’s no catch and we promise you won’t find a better deal this September.
Scroll down to read our Ts & Cs. Get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.
Enjoy unbeatable discounts on our recruitment services this September. Whether you’re looking for permanent placements, temporary hires, or specialised talent, our reduced rates make it more cost-effective than ever to partner with us.
1. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or promotions.
2. The offer is not available on past or future roles registered with Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy Ltd and only applies to roles registered with Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy Ltd during the time period specified.
3. This offer is limited to one role per client.
4. Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy Ltd does not guarantee the successful placement of a candidate for the registered vacancy.
5. Signed Terms of Business and a full job description must be provided within the specified time frame of 30/08/2023 to 30/09/2023.
6. The offer must be applied at the point of sale and cannot be applied retrospectively.
7. The offer and discount is not exchangeable for cash or credit, and is non-transferable.
8. Our usual recruitment terms apply and any refunds will be in line with this.
Get in touch with our team here on our website, by emailing info@22consultancy.co.uk. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest news.
Growing your small business can feel daunting and risky, making hiring the right staff paramount.
Taking something you’ve spent so much time perfecting, from business plans to product development, to now handing part of it over to an employee or team. Ensuring you assemble a group of people that share your vision, passion and commitment is key to the success of your business.
While the process may seem daunting, we are here to guide you through every step, providing insights, tips and strategies to help you make well-informed hiring decisions that align with your business objectives.
Hiring the right people easily creates a positive work environment, boosts team productivity, and contributes to business success. We understand the challenges that small business owners face in a competitive job market which is why we have curated this list to equip you with the tools you need to begin growing your company.
Let us help you explore your next steps toward effective recruitment and retention.
Get in touch with our team of experts if you’re looking to grow your team and take your business to the next level.
Twenty2 operates across the East Midlands and Staffordshire areas, specialising in the Finance, HR, Accountancy, Legal, Sales and Marketing sectors.
To be a good Auditor, you need to be precise, analytical and commit to upholding financial integrity. Whether you’re an aspiring auditor or a professional looking to enhance your skills, this is for you. Take a look at the actionable insights below to unlock your potential and excel in this profession.
Stay updated on industry trends, new regulations, and emerging technologies that impact the field. Continuously enhance your expertise through professional certifications, relevant courses, and engaging in peer knowledge sharing.
We recommend these platforms for keeping up to date with all things Accounts & Audit:
Auditors are responsible for inspecting financial records and identifying potential errors or irregularities. Sharpen your analytical skills and your ability to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and ask insightful questions that uncover hidden risks or opportunities for improvement.
Communication is a vital skill for auditors, as you’ll be interacting with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at various levels. Refine your communication skills to effectively convey complex financial information in a clear and concise manner. Work on your active listening skills to better understand client needs and build strong professional relationships. Also focus on writing well-structured reports that are easy to understand.
The auditing landscape is rapidly changing with advancements in technology and automation. Embrace these changes and learn to leverage audit software, data analytics tools, and AI to streamline processes.
To excel as an auditor, it’s crucial to continuously learn and improve. Actively seek feedback from supervisors, peers, and clients to identify areas for growth. Embrace opportunities for professional development, attend conferences and participate in training classes.
Work towards improving in these areas and you’re guaranteed to unlock your potential and excel in your career.
We work with accountancy practices across the East Midlands to recruit for finance professionals including Audit roles of all levels. Our consultants can offer additional advice and guidance on your career in auditing whether you’re just starting out or looking for a senior position.
Click here to view our current vacancies.
Additional Resources:
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the spotlight is on anxiety and how it can often be overlooked. According to the World Health Organisation, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness worldwide, affecting around 264 million people. Feeling nervous around events like job interviews or public speaking is completely normal but when the issue is ongoing and debilitating, these feelings can develop into something more serious.
But how can we tell the difference between the ‘Sunday Blues’ or a deeper issue with our job?
If your job is causing you stress and anxiety, take some time to consider why this is and if steps can be taken to find a solution.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of job dissatisfaction and provide you with expert advice on how to navigate a career transition to improve your mental well-being.
Take some time to reflect on what aspects of your current job are causing anxiety and unhappiness. Is it the work environment, lack of growth opportunities, or a mismatch of skills and interests? Identifying the key triggers will help you make informed decisions moving forward. If you decide that a job change is in order, read on to see what you can do.
Before embarking on a job change, reflecting on your achievements so far and your long-term career goals is key. What are you passionate about? What are your strengths and areas for improvement? Identify the roles and industries that align with your values, preferences, and aspirations.
Once you have a clear understanding of your skills, interests, and goals, it’s time to research and explore potential career paths. Use online resources, your professional network and consider contacting a recruiter who can offer insight into different industries and job roles that are perfectly suited to you.
Transitioning to a new position or industry often requires acquiring new skills. Identify any skill gaps you need to bridge to get to your goal and consider attending workshops or online courses to enhance your skill set. Additionally, actively networking with professionals in your desired field can open doors to new opportunities.
Before making the leap, develop a well-thought-out transition plan. Assess your financial situation and determine how long you can sustain yourself during the transition period if needed. Set realistic timelines and milestones for achieving your career change goals. Breaking down the process into manageable steps will make the transition less daunting and help you stay motivated.
Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with your desired job role. Also, ensure your LinkedIn profile and other social platforms are private or suitable for an employer’s eyes – they might look at them! Reach out to a recruiter who can offer guidance on structuring your CV to match the job advert.
Changing jobs can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Especially when we lose out on a dream opportunity or feel anxious ahead of an interview, it can take a real toll on our mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and support. Consider reaching out to career coaches, recruiters, or people close to you who have gone through similar experiences. Their insights and advice can provide valuable perspective and motivation throughout your job search journey.
Regular check-ins with employees and good resource management is essential to making sure staff feel respected and don’t burnout. Conducting audits on factors like company culture, staff retention and brand reputation can highlight any weak points in your business. If an employee does hand in their notice, consider an Exit Interview to understand if there was a deeper reason for their decision. This is a great learning opportunity and a chance to improve. On the other hand, retention tactics such as counter-offering are famously a bad idea if their reason for moving is around mental well-being. Holding employees back from new opportunities is a red flag when it comes to staff retention and can signal a toxic company culture.
Settling into a new role can be a transformative experience when it alleviates the anxiety and unhappiness you may have faced in your old work situation. Prioritising your mental health and taking steps towards a more fulfilling career can lead to long-term happiness and well-being. Remember, you have the power to shape your professional journey, so embrace change and pursue a path that brings you joy, fulfilment, and peace of mind.
Additional Resources:
Throughout April, we’ve been recognising Stress Awareness Month by reflecting on our stress levels each week and sharing our tips on stress management.
Stress and burnout in the workplace are more common than ever, with many people experiencing these feelings daily. Knowing what to do when you feel this way and understanding what works for you is essential to maintain a healthy mindset.
As an employer, being aware of employee well-being is a key component of a positive workplace culture. Advocating for a healthy work/life balance or scheduling regular check-ins with your staff shouldn’t just be down to HR. If you suspect that your employees are experiencing burnout or high-stress levels in their role, honest communication, alongside empathy, is the first step to finding a solution.
Stress is caused by all aspects of our lives and can sometimes be hard to talk about. By sharing the tips below with your employees and aiming to create a stress-free working environment, you’re on your way to success.
The team took some time to plan our day and write down our routine to identify when we are most at risk of becoming stressed. Watch the Reel from our Instagram below. Download the Daily Destressing Planner from The Stress Management Society and try it out for yourself by clicking here.
Click here to visit our Instagram page.
