In 2023, layoffs disproportionately impacted recruiters and human resources professionals as companies in various sectors conducted widespread workforce reductions and enacted hiring freezes. The need for HR, talent acquisition and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) professionals dropped as hiring activity stalled, especially in the tech sector. While other areas within tech organizations saw headcount reduced by 10% to 20%, companies downsized 50% of tech recruiters, the Wall Street Journal reported. The demand for these services slowed down in the recent challenging economic environment marred by high inflation, steep interest rates and subsequent corporate belt-tightening.

However, that could all change in the next 12 months. A December survey by recruiting firm Robert Half revealed that 57% of hiring managers plan to add new permanent positions in the first half of 2024. The data suggests a strong demand for talent acquisition professionals in the coming year.

Additionally, HR decision-makers and recruiters are optimistic about the future of recruiting, with 86% of talent practitioners expressing positivity about what the future of talent acquisition holds, according to research by Jobvite.

Read More - Human Resources And Recruitment Trends For 2024