The US tech sector is undergoing significant changes in 2023, and technical hiring managers must use data-driven strategies to stay competitive.
By embracing remote work, considering contract staffing as a cost-effective solution, prioritizing upskilling, and evaluating soft skills, technical hiring managers can build strong, effective teams that will thrive in the years to come. In this post, I’ll explore some of the significant changes facing the US tech sector in 2023 and provide data-driven advice for technical hiring managers to stay competitive.
Remote Work and the Gig Economy
According to a report by FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics, remote work is expected to continue to rise in popularity in 2023. The report predicts that 38% of full-time employees will work remotely at least some of the time in 2023, up from 24% in 2019 (FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics, 2022). As a result, technical hiring managers must adapt to this new reality by considering candidates who may be located in different parts of the country or even the world. Additionally, top candidates may have preference for short-term or contract work.
38% of full-time employees will work remotely in 2023
To stay competitive, technical hiring managers should be prepared to conduct virtual interviews and assess a candidate’s ability to work effectively in a remote environment. Data shows that the most successful remote workers possess high levels of autonomy, collaboration, and communication skills.
Wage Pressure and Inflation
Recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the unemployment rate in the US tech sector was just 1.7% in January 2023, compared to the overall unemployment rate of 3.9% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). This talent shortage is driving up salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent. However, inflation is projected to continue to rise in 2023, making it challenging for companies to maintain competitive compensation packages while balancing budget constraints.
To address these challenges, technical hiring managers should be prepared to prioritize key positions and invest in upskilling existing staff. For example, a study by IBM found that employees who completed online learning programs were 52% more likely to be promoted than those who did not (IBM, 2019). Upskilling can lead to a 6-10% increase in employee productivity and can help to fill critical skill gaps.
20-30% reduction in labor cost with contract staffing for technical positions.
Technical hiring managers should consider contract staffing as a cost-effective solution. Contract staffing can help fill short-term needs, reduce hiring costs, and provide flexibility in staffing levels. According to a report by Staffing Industry Analysts, contract staffing can reduce labor costs by 20-30% on average (Staffing Industry Analysts, 2022). It also provides a way to evaluate talent before making a long-term commitment, reducing the risk of hiring the wrong candidate.
The Importance of Soft Skills
A recent survey by LinkedIn found that 96% of talent professionals and hiring managers consider soft skills to be just as important or more important than technical skills. In fact, a study by the National Soft Skills Association found that soft skills accounted for 85% of job success, while only 15% was attributed to technical skills (National Soft Skills Association, 2022).
85% of on-the-job success is due to Soft Skills
To evaluate soft skills, technical hiring managers should be prepared to use behavioral questions and scenario-based assessments. For example, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that scenario-based assessments predicted job performance 61% more accurately than traditional interviewing methods (Harvard Business Review, 2017). Candidates who possess strong soft skills are more likely to be successful in remote work environments and have higher levels of job satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US tech sector is currently experiencing a period of rapid transformation, with new technological advancements and economic factors affecting the hiring landscape. To stay competitive, technical hiring managers need to be proactive in adapting to these changes, particularly by leveraging remote work opportunities, assessing soft skills, and prioritizing upskilling and reskilling. Contract staffing can also provide a cost-effective solution to hiring needs while managing fluctuating demand. By embracing these strategies, technical hiring managers can position their companies for long-term success in an ever-changing market. So, if you’re a hiring manager in the tech sector, it’s time to start exploring these solutions and staying ahead of the curve.
References:
FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics. (2022). State of Remote Work 2022. Retrieved from https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/state-of-remote-work-2022/
Harvard Business Review. (2017). The right way to assess job candidates’ soft skills. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2017/11/the-right-way-to-assess-job-candidates-soft-skills
IBM. (2019). The Value of Training: Employee Learning and Career Development. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/report/employee-training
McKinsey. (2022). Skill shift: Automation and the future of the workforce. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/skill-shift-automation-and-the-future-of-the-workforce
Staffing Industry Analysts. (2022). US gig economy staffing market report: 2022 update. Retrieved from https://www2.staffingindustry.com/site/Editorial/Daily-News/US-gig-economy-staffing-market-report-2022-update-64080
With research support from Chat GPT
