CHRO of Preferred CFO Tom Applegarth shares why flexibility and giving candidates a compelling overall reason to join an organization can make all the difference when attracting top talent.

By Debbie Bolla

HRO Today: What are the biggest challenges you are facing with hiring and recruiting right now, and how are you overcoming them? 

Tom Applegarth: Many of the companies are still struggling with the flexibility many employees would like. Most organizations would like employees to be in the office more, while many candidates would like more flexibility. The more flexible a company is, the quicker the position can be filled with a great employee.

HROT: Do you see the hiring market opening up? 

Applegarth: I am not certain the hiring market will open up a great deal this year. I am not optimistic that the economy will grow rapidly in the short term. In addition, many companies are using AI to improve the productivity of their current workforce and that is reducing the need to hire additional staff. The hiring market will open up, but probably not in the next six months.

HROT: What should organizations be doing to attract top talent in the aftermath of job hugging? 

Applegarth: Companies need to make sure they are giving candidates a compelling reason to join. Competitive compensation, an inspiring vision, great leadership, opportunities for career growth, and flexibility are key reasons many candidates join a new organization. Speed is also critical in recruiting. Organizations that can quickly move through their selection process and make an offer fast often win the recruiting battles.

HROT: Looking ahead, how do you think AI will have transformed the workplace in five to 10 years? 

Applegarth: AI will dramatically increase the productivity of the workforce. The changes in work processes using AI to make those processes more efficient and effective will be transformational. Many of the companies that do not use AI to become more productive will not exist in five years.

HROT: What is your favorite way to spend your free time?

Applegarth: I love to read and to travel. I have been to 27 countries and 49 states and hope to continue to travel in my free time.