As we approach the end of 2024, it’s clear that industry recruitment has faced its challenges. However, our recent survey conducted earlier this month offers some encouraging insights and opportunities for growth. Here’s what we learned:
The Good News
- Transparency and Communication Matter:
Nearly half of respondents (48%) praised their company’s internal communications as transparent and open, while another 24% rated them as adequate. Why does this matter? Because seen and heard employees are happy employees. - Job Satisfaction Is Solid:
48% of those surveyed are satisfied with their current roles. This high satisfaction likely ties back to strong communication within their organizations—a win for company culture. - Work-Life Balance Achieved:
A whopping 64% of respondents are happy with their work-life balance. Kudos to the companies enabling this! It’s a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent. - Hybrid Work Is King:
The hybrid work model remains the favourite, with 56% of respondents preferring it. Fully remote work came in second, but at a distant 28%. This reinforces the importance of flexible work arrangements in today’s job market.
Challenges to Address
- Limited Career Advancement Tops Concerns:
When asked about their biggest challenges, 40% pointed to limited career advancement opportunities. This is a pressing issue, especially as employees grow weary of vacant or eliminated managerial roles and the expectation to take on additional responsibilities without corresponding salary increases. - Staffing Shortages Are Frustrating:
Inadequate staffing ranked as the second biggest challenge, cited by 24% of respondents. This ongoing issue impacts morale and productivity, making it crucial for leaders to address hiring gaps proactively.
Opportunities for the Future
- Commitment to the Industry Remains Strong:
Despite challenges, 68% of respondents said they are either very likely or likely to stay in the media industry over the next three years. Providing ongoing training, mentorship, and growth opportunities will be essential to sustaining this commitment. - Leadership Ambitions Are Growing:
While 40% of respondents expressed interest in moving into leadership roles in the near future, 36% are focused on simply being happy in their current positions. This dual focus presents an opportunity for companies to invest in both career development pathways and overall employee well-being.
What This Means for 2025
The survey highlights both wins and areas for improvement in media industry recruitment and employee engagement. Companies that prioritize transparency, work-life balance, and growth opportunities will stand out in a competitive market.
