As the hiring industry deals with changing technological and economic environments, Sarah Bills, Randstad New Zealand's recently hired Country Director, has assumed a crucial position.
In her first interview since taking the job, Bills talked about the opportunities and challenges in New Zealand's hiring market as well as her ambition for the business.
"Randstad is a global leader in recruitment and HR services," Bills said. "We aim to be the most equitable and specialist talent company, with a strong focus on connecting with candidates. Understanding the importance of jobs in people's lives is crucial to our strategy.
"Bills, who recently assumed her new position, outlined her top goals right now.
Randstad focusses on the tech sector, which has historically struggled with diversity concerns. Bills underlined the business's dedication to promoting inclusivity.
"Our employer branding research shows that one in three workers identify as part of an under-represented group, with around 50% of those individuals still facing career obstacles," she said. "At Randstad, we support clients through impartial hiring processes, education for hiring managers, and tools to foster diverse teams."
Bills said that economic issues, such as rising living expenses and governmental changes, are having an impact on hiring. "Businesses are reevaluating their priorities. While certain positions are being phased out, new ones that are in line with business growth objectives are starting to appear.
The increasing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most fascinating trends in the industry.
According to Bills, "AI is already helping us take over mundane tasks, giving recruiters more time for meaningful human connections. While adoption in New Zealand remains relatively low, with only one in seven workers using AI regularly, we expect more companies to move from pilot phases to full implementation soon."
These trends are highlighted by Randstad's 2024 Employer Brand Research, which shows that 58% of New Zealand workers anticipate AI will have an impact on their jobs in the next five years. "Interestingly, those using AI already see more positives than negatives," Bills stated. "AI's role in recruitment is just an evolution of the database technologies we've been using for years."
Skill shortages continue to plague the tech industry, posing both opportunities and challenges. "Nearly all tech employers are reporting skill shortages," Bills explained.
"This makes technology an exciting field for graduates, especially with the government's strategy to grow the digital sector. We're also seeing non-traditional pathways into tech, which is opening the industry to a wider range of skills."
Bills gave straightforward guidance to grads who were still considering their options: "Give it a go. Numerous computer jobs are available that don't require a standard IT experience. It's not just about code; creativity and problem-solving skills are just as important.
Despite advancements, the industry still needs to improve its diversity. "It's better than when I started in tech recruitment, but there's still a way to go," Bills said. "We're focused on helping businesses build diverse teams and ensuring that the intention behind diversity initiatives translates into action."
Spark's Director of People, Culture, and Ways of Working, Heather Polglase, emphasised the significance of establishing inclusive work environments. "We aim to build environments where employees feel connected, valued, and comfortable bringing their whole selves to work," she stated.
Initiatives like the Blue Heart program, which promotes cultural input and celebrates employee diversity, are part of Spark's endeavours. "We shifted our focus from 'cultural fit' to 'cultural contribution,' ensuring that new hires add value to our culture rather than just blending in," Polglase said.
According to Randstad's research, 43% of New Zealand workers view diversity and inclusion as a crucial consideration when selecting an employer, underscoring the significance of such programs. According to Bills, "Diversity and inclusion are no longer optional—they're essential for businesses aiming to attract and retain talent."
Randstad is using data-driven insights to inform its initiatives as it negotiates the changing recruitment landscape. "Our tools and research enable us to assist hiring managers in making well-informed decisions," Bills concluded. It's about using technology to improve hiring processes while making sure we have a good human connection."
Looking ahead, Bills is still hopeful about the tech industry's and hiring's prospects.
"It's an exciting time to be in this space," she stated. “With the right strategies and focus on diversity, we can shape a more inclusive and innovative workforce for New Zealand.”
