The Road Ahead: Key Factors Shaping the Job Market in the Latter Half of 2023

Last updated Jun 2, 2023
  • As the labor market remains unpredictable, companies can acquire top talent while employers prioritize hiring and retaining top talent, making it essential for workers to evaluate potential employers for fulfilling jobs and growth opportunities.
  • The key trends for businesses to watch in the remainder of 2023 include managing turnover and employee burnout, attracting top talent, promoting diversity and inclusion, addressing pandemic-related trauma, and adapting to changing business environments to stay competitive. The top soft and hard skills employers prioritize include management, communication, software development, SQL, and customer relations management.
  • The Philippines’ job market in the latter of 2023 will have a high demand for professionals with technical and interpersonal skills, particularly in fields such as software development, logistics, information security, and marketing, across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and customer service.

Despite economic challenges, hiring is expected to remain strong for the rest of 2023. 

Employers will face heightened competition for top talent due to a robust job market. 

Trends like quiet quitting and The Great Resignation give employees increased leverage in making workplace demands. 

While the labor market is overall strong, reports of hiring freezes and layoffs have caused worker anxiety. This may lead some individuals to consider a career change. 

With that, staying informed about the job market is crucial for both employers and employees, as it helps predict trends and assess employment opportunities that align with skills and interests.

Anticipating Change: A Look into Job Market Trends and Workplace Transformations for the Remainder of 2023

Given the current economic climate, some companies have implemented layoffs and imposed hiring freezes. 

However, this situation creates a remarkable opportunity for forward-thinking organizations to acquire exceptional talent that has become available. 

Despite the overall uncertainty in the labor market, many workers are eagerly considering job transitions before a potential downturn. 

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2023, employers are expected to prioritize robust hiring practices and retaining top-notch talent. 

As a result, job seekers should conscientiously assess prospective employers to ensure they provide fulfilling roles and ample opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Work: Trends to Watch Out for in the Rest of 2023

The business environment poses significant obstacles for organizations. Employers face an intensely competitive job market and must address employee burnout and high turnover rates. 

Additionally, an approaching economic downturn means companies are under pressure to manage costs effectively.

Employers must deal with various challenges to attract and keep the best employees in the coming year. Leaders should prioritize the nine workplace predictions based on Gartner’s research to achieve this goal.

These predictions focus on essential areas such as adapting return-to-office policies, addressing employee burnout, and managing costs. 

By paying attention to these critical aspects, businesses can distinguish themselves as desirable employers in a market that’s becoming more competitive.

Keeping It Low-Key: Why Employers Are Quietly Hiring In-Demand Talent

During the latter half of 2022, the idea of “quiet quitting” garnered attention in work-related news. It refers to when employees must maximize their efforts to meet only the minimum requirements of their roles, resulting in a depletion of organizational skills and expertise.

In the latter half of 2023, astute businesses will embrace the strategy of  “quiet hiring” to acquire new skills and capabilities without necessarily recruiting additional full-time employees.

This approach focuses on promoting internal talent mobility, offering upskilling opportunities to address changing organizational requirements and utilizing nontraditional methods like alumni networks and gig workers.

By doing so, companies can acquire new skills and expertise while compensating employees for adopting roles.

The Push for Hybrid Work Models to Reach the Front Lines

As desk-based employees transition to a permanent hybrid work model, ensuring equitable flexibility for frontline workers in industries like healthcare and manufacturing is important.

A Gartner survey showed that 58% of organizations employing frontline workers have improved employee experience in the past year, with 33% planning to do so in the next 12 months. 

Additionally, the study found that frontline workers place high importance on having flexibility in their workload, colleagues, and working hours.

Specifically, they want more control over their work schedule, stability in their job, and access to paid leaves. 

Addressing these concerns can help businesses improve support and retain their frontline workforce.

Navigating the Expectations of Leaders and Employees as a Manager

Managers in hybrid work environments face the challenge of balancing the expectations of employees and senior leaders.

Harvard Business Review found that many managers face difficulties adapting to changes due to digitization, reengineering, and remote work. 

Managers must now prioritize team success, performance coaching, and leading in dynamic settings while also meeting the performance expectations of higher-ups.

A survey from Gartner also found that 60% of hybrid employees see their managers as their top link to the company culture. Managers play a significant role in creating a culture-connected team, but many may require guidance in hybrid work environments.

Throughout the remainder of 2023, leading organizations will prioritize providing enhanced assistance and training to bridge the growing disparity in managerial abilities. 

They will proactively define clear goals for managers and make necessary adjustments to their responsibilities, ensuring a more effective approach to addressing this issue.

Diversity in Talent Acquisition: How Pursuing Nontraditional Candidates is Expanding the Pipeline

For the rest of 2023, organizations must broaden and vary their channels for talent recruitment as they may need to go beyond conventional methods to fill essential positions.

They can achieve this by assessing candidates’ skills rather than solely relying on their qualifications and past work experience.

To expand the potential talent pool and fill essential positions more efficiently, job postings will no longer require formal education or experience.

Additionally, nontraditional candidates who may have been previously overlooked will be contacted internally and externally.

Finding Strength in Adversity: How Healing Pandemic Trauma Can Drive Sustainable Performance

In 2023, leading companies started to focus on helping their employees achieve sustainable performance by addressing the trauma caused by the pandemic.

The ongoing physical and emotional effects of COVID-19 have resulted in decreased productivity and increased stress levels in the workplace.

To overcome these hurdles for the rest of the year, businesses will provide preemptive breaks, conversational avenues, and counseling for managers dealing with trauma.

These endeavors are designed to preserve workers’ emotional fortitude and performance, which are necessary for lasting achievements.

Organizations Will Overcome Pushback to Drive DEI Forward

Throughout the remaining of 2023, there will be an increase in pushback against organizations’ efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with 42% of employees seeing these initiatives as divisive

This pushback can negatively impact employee engagement, inclusion, and trust within the company.

To prevent DEI progress from stalling, HR should provide managers with effective tools and strategies to engage with resistant employees and address pushback as soon as it arises.

To encourage a more inclusive and engaged workforce, leaders can create safe spaces for specific groups, adapt communications and incentives to promote allyship and guide employees on advancing our DEI goals in their professional roles.

Concerns Over AI Bias are Driving Transparency in Recruiting Tech

With the growing use of AI and machine learning in recruitment, concerns about AI bias have become more prominent.

Consequently, governments are closely examining the utilization of AI in hiring processes. 

By the latter part of 2023, companies incorporating AI in their recruitment practices should anticipate mounting pressure to enhance transparency regarding implementing this technology. 

This may involve releasing public reports detailing their hiring metrics and conducting annual audits to identify and address biases.

To address these concerns, companies and their vendors must allow employees and candidates to opt out of AI-led processes.

Related: The Future is Here: How Artificial Intelligence Transforms Executive Search

Finding the Right Balance for Navigating Data Risks in Personalized Employee Support

Organizations will collect personal data in 2023 to better support individual employees by using technology such as AI assistants and wearables.

However, this could lead to privacy concerns as the data collected could contain sensitive information about the employee’s health, family situation, living conditions, and mental health.

To address such concerns and prioritize employees’ well-being, leading organizations in the latter part of 2023 will establish an employee data bill of rights.

The aim is to make data collection, use, and storage more transparent, allowing employees to opt out of any practices they disagree with. 

It’s vital for HR leaders to effectively and clearly communicate these measures to their employees.

Organizations Need to Tackle the Widespread Decline of Social Skills in their Workforce

The National Society of Leadership and Success reports that social skills have declined among all generational groups in the workforce due to the pandemic. 

Additionally, 51% of Gen Z employees feel their education did not fully prepare them for work. 

Organizations must redefine professionalism for their entire workforce to tackle this issue rather than solely concentrating on Gen Z.

Leaders should build intentional connections among employees across geographic and generational boundaries by providing employee choice and autonomy, clear structure and purpose, and a sense of levity and fun. 

Gartner’s research suggests that such intentional interactions boost employee engagement and productivity.

Here are the Key Skill Sets for Thriving in Jobs Throughout the Remainder of 2023

According to a LinkedIn report, there are the top skills that employers prioritize when recruiting, posting job opportunities, and hiring. By honing in-demand skills, individuals position themselves in high demand by employers. 

Despite potential obstacles like an imminent reorganization or shifts in business strategy, individuals and teams equipped with sought-after skills can still achieve their career objectives in the latter half of 2023, even within a challenging macroeconomic environment.

For soft skills:

  1. Management
  2. Communication
  3. Customer Service
  4. Leadership
  5. Sales
  6. Project Management
  7. Research
  8. Analytical Skills
  9. Marketing Teamwork

For hard skills:

  1. Software Development
  2. SQL
  3. Finance
  4. Python
  5. Java
  6. Data Analysis
  7. Javascript
  8. Cloud Computing
  9. Operations
  10. Customer Relations Management

Related: Executive Soft Skills: What Is It and Why Do Executives Need It?

Career Opportunities Ahead: Promising In-Demand Jobs in the Philippines for the Second Half of 2023

The job market in the Philippines is continuously evolving; throughout the rest of 2023, numerous professions will experience high demand. 

Consequently, the executive search industry will have a remarkable opportunity to identify and recruit exceptional talent from these sought-after fields.

The following ten professions are expected to be in high demand in the Philippines, according to Nexford University, spanning from software developers to healthcare professionals, and offer a glimpse into their duties and responsibilities.

Software Developer

Businesses and operations rely heavily on computers to run smoothly in the current digital landscape. To ensure efficient functioning, computers require software.

This is where Software Developers come in. Their role involves designing, developing, and maintaining software for various computing tasks. They primarily focus on writing and implementing the code that enables computers to function effectively and efficiently.

Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants have risen in the Philippines due to their ability to manage administrative tasks, including accounting, scheduling, and data entry.

Moreover, they can even offer specialized services such as social media management and editing. This cost-effective solution has become especially popular among startups.

Logistics and Warehouse Personnel 

Logistics personnel play a crucial role in the Philippines’ developing economy, especially in facilitating the safe and efficient transfer of goods.

With the rise of e-commerce, their responsibilities are more important than ever. Their expertise in monitoring and optimizing supply chains is key to ensuring that inventory is managed, transportation is coordinated, and goods are delivered promptly and in impeccable condition.

Information Security Professional

Industries across the globe are prioritizing cyber security due to rising malice from online actors. As a result, companies are investing in Information Security Professionals to enhance their data and network security.

These experts specialize in preventing and combating cyber threats, assessing, fortifying networks, and addressing vulnerabilities to safeguard sensitive information.

Social Media Marketer

The use of social media has become increasingly important in the Philippines and has a significant impact on modern society.

Social media marketers create content and campaigns that appeal to social media users by using different digital tools to manage and expand brand communities and launch and monitor targeted advertising campaigns.

Project Manager

Project Managers are in charge of managing a project from start to finish. They make sure that everything is completed on time and within budget by coordinating and supervising tasks related to the project.

They also manage team members and prioritize their needs while promoting clear communication. A strong team is crucial for the success of a project, and effective team management plays a significant role in creating a cooperative atmosphere.

Recruitment Specialist 

Recruitment specialists play a crucial role in ensuring a company’s smooth operations by identifying and hiring the best-suited candidates. Their responsibilities include sourcing and screening candidates, evaluating their qualifications, assessing their suitability for the role, and assisting them in the application process.

By selecting and vetting candidates carefully, recruitment specialists help organizations build a robust and competent workforce.

Healthcare Professional 

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the significance of healthcare professionals globally, including in the Philippines. They play a vital role in delivering quality health services, including consultations, therapy, and medicine dispensing.

Especially doctors and nurses offer personalized care to help patients fight their illnesses and offer suggestions on leading a healthy life. The continuous requirement for health services highlights the necessity of qualified and committed healthcare professionals.

Customer and Tech Support 

The customer and tech support industry is a major part of outsourcing in the Philippines, making a significant contribution to the economy.

Professionals working in this sector aim to efficiently assist customers and clients in resolving concerns related to products or services. They provide quick and dependable solutions and guidance on any issues that may arise.

Marketing Professional

Businesses need marketing professionals to build and maintain a loyal customer base. These professionals conduct research to develop effective marketing strategies and create campaigns that promote their brand to potential customers.

They analyze market trends and customer behaviors, creating targeted campaigns using various channels, such as social media and advertising. Marketing professionals drive a company’s growth by building brand awareness and customer engagement.

Related: Maximize your Hiring Potential for 2023 with CDA’s Salary Report

Final Thoughts

As we head into the latter half of 2023, the workforce is on the brink of significant changes, presenting opportunities and challenges for organizations. 

Companies must prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives, trauma counseling, and data security measures to stay competitive. 

In-demand job roles will continue to require specific skill sets, so individuals must focus on honing these skills and develop a tech-savvy mindset for career advancement.

Moreover, the Philippines remains a fertile ground for recruiting top-notch professionals with the necessary skills and expertise. 

We encourage organizations to explore this market and cultivate talent from various fields to stay ahead of the curve. 

It’s essential that all stakeholders take proactive steps to adapt to these emerging trends and challenges to thrive in this dynamic environment.

How can your company cope with these changes in the 2023 job market?

To successfully navigate the dynamic job market throughout the remainder of 2023, it is crucial for your company to remain updated on the latest trends in executive search and recruitment. 

By staying abreast of these developments, your organization can adapt and optimize its strategies to effectively attract and secure top talent.

Curran Daly & Associates can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you succeed in this dynamic landscape. Our recruitment specialists utilize advanced techniques to ensure you have access to the top talent. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve – get in touch with Curran Daly & Associates today.

References:

McRae, E. R. (2023, January 20). 9 Trends That Will Shape Work in 2023 and Beyond. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/01/9-trends-that-will-shape-work-in-2023-and-beyond

Molla, R. (2022, July 13). Economists are predicting a recession but companies are still hiring. Vox. https://www.vox.com/recode/23203511/recession-job-market-hiring-layoffs-benefits

Ngo, M. (2022, July 7). How will we know if the United States is in a recession? Vox. https://www.vox.com/2022/7/7/23198724/united-states-recession-indicators-economists-forecasters 
Top 10 In-Demand Jobs In The Philippines 2023 | Nexford University. (n.d.). https://www.nexford.org/insights/top-10-in-demand-jobs-in-the-philippines

By: Curran Daly + Associates

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