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In 2023, we witnessed significant shifts across various industries, as economic uncertainty shaped hiring practices and candidate behaviour. The global economic environment led to cautious hiring, slower recruitment processes, and layoffs in some larger firms. Nevertheless, candidates with sought-after skills remained in demand and were able to secure competitive pay increases across multiple sectors.

The design and architecture industries faced hiring freezes, redundancies, and slower recruitment as firms navigated rising costs and project delays. However, international and government projects helped maintain activity in certain firms. In 2024, we saw a resurgence, especially in studios working on large-scale, international projects.

The engineering and manufacturing sectors saw continued demand for automation, sustainability, and tech-driven roles. In 2023, a tight labour market led to heightened competition for skilled professionals, pushing salaries upward. The focus on sustainability and data-driven processes in 2024 drove the need for talent in AI, data analytics, and compliance.

Automation technologies continued to grow in 2023, particularly in the automotive and warehousing industries. Companies are increasingly looking to enhance efficiency through scalable robotics. This growing trend has led to heightened demand for PLC Programmers, Field Service Engineers, and Project Managers.

At the end of last year, we identified several key trends that have manifested in 2024:

1. Renewed hiring confidence: While 2023 was marked by caution, businesses were preparing for increased hiring, particularly in sectors like interior design, automation, and IT. A significant uptick in recruitment was anticipated, fuelled by a more stable economic landscape.

 

2. Skills shortages: Despite challenges, candidates with specialised skills continued to be highly sought after, particularly in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity and robotics.

 

3. Evolving work models: The shift toward hybrid and flexible work models remained strong across most industries, with more businesses adopting permanent flexible working environments.

 

4. Sustainability and innovation: Companies are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly practices and innovations in energy-efficient design and production. This trend created demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable technologies.

The ongoing rise in living costs led many candidates to push for higher salaries, with increases of up to 20-30% in some sectors in 2023 and 2024. As companies compete for top talent, salary negotiations have become more frequent, especially for critical roles in automation, IT, and design.

Employers: Streamline your recruitment processes and engage with STR early to secure top talent. Focus on offering competitive salaries and flexible work options to attract and retain the best professionals.

Candidates: Be selective and understand your market value. With businesses becoming more eager to hire, strategic moves can lead to significant career advancements and pay rises.

Whether you’re a client looking to expand your team or a candidate seeking your next opportunity, we’re experiencing a dynamic employment market. Stay informed, act strategically, and navigate this evolving landscape with confidence with STR Group and its brands as your recruitment partners, ready to guide you.

For more industry insights and salary benchmarks, contact our team or explore our salary surveys in detail via the links below. Look out for our Salary Survey and Market Insights Reports for 2025, coming January next year, to ensure you stay ahead of the curve!