I don’t know about you, but it feels to me as though April has passed in the blink of an eye! As we get back into the swing of things after the Easter break, I thought this would be a good opportunity to set out some thoughts on the hiring and workforce planning landscape for Q2.
We’re seeing definitive shoots of market recovery and opportunity, albeit this is somewhat tempered by a sense of ongoing caution as global economic uncertainty continues.
Strategic workforce planning should be carried out with these considerations in mind - so what does this mean for you and your hiring plans?
Team Restructuring on the Rise
According to research published by TotalJobs, 24% of businesses plan to restructure in Q2 2025 (up from 21% last quarter) i.
And whilst “restructuring” may be seen by some as code for redundancies, in reality, what we may see is simply team realignment or role redefinition. Restructuring could be a way of redeploying current employees or reassigning responsibilities or tasks in a more streamlined way.
If this isn’t a suitable option for your team, another avenue to explore is flexible talent.
A Freelance Workforce
UK businesses are steadily embracing the advantages of hiring freelance professionals. Nearly three-quarters of employers - about 74% - believe that freelancers boost their organisation’s capabilities by bringing in unique expertise and fresh insights. ii
When the economic landscape is uncertain, bringing in flexible talent allows businesses to expand at speed and bolster internal capacity with agility, whilst maintaining cost controls.
This quarter, reliance on freelance staff is predicted to rise to around 23%, although this remains below the 27% peak seen in Q1 2024. iii
Signs of Growth – A Cautious Expansion
Whilst 24% of employers plan to expand teams, up from 21% last quarter, this target is significantly down on figures from the same time last year.
Whilst business confidence may be improving, the challenge of finding skilled workers continues to impact expansion levels. The benefits of a specialist recruiter can really come into play here. For roles requiring specific expertise or when time-to-hire is critical, agencies can be instrumental in meeting organisational needs.
Strategic Workforce Planning is Key
As businesses navigate a landscape marked by increased restructuring, a growing reliance on freelance talent, and fierce competition for top candidates, one thing is clear: strategic workforce planning has never been more important. Staying adaptable, proactively investing in talent acquisition, and keeping a close eye on workforce trends will be critical to success in Q2 and beyond.
Partnering with a specialist recruiter could be the key to finding and keeping the talent you need to grow your business.
Need help navigating your hiring strategy for Q2? Let’s talk.
