Hiring & Employment Trends for 2023: Navigating the Workforce

Addison Group

With evolving expectations and a rollercoaster-like economy, companies in virtually every industry have quickly shifted gears regarding their talent recruitment and retention strategies.

Many employees across the nation now have the freedom to work from anywhere. Roles specifically designed to ensure people’s happiness, well-being, and overall job satisfaction are becoming commonplace.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are now imperative. And in addition to juggling offers from organizations with competitive salaries, job candidates are prioritizing a healthy work-life balance, plus other benefits to help them thrive.

The standards of the modern workplace are undoubtedly different than those of past generations. Businesses are becoming more in tune with their employees’ individual needs, as retaining top talent has become a greater challenge.

As you look ahead to 2023, here are a few key trends to watch for, from our Workforce Planning & Salary Guide.

Top Hiring & Employment Trends for 2023:

Flexibility is a frontrunner for remote & hybrid work models

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers around the globe began working remotely, predominantly as a safety precaution. However, three years later, this level of flexibility has become the norm.

Fully remote and hybrid models are here to stay as companies and employees realize that not all roles require a physical office space or in-person interactions with colleagues. This is true in a wide range of fields from nonclinical positions in healthcare to human resources, accounting, and finance.

At the end of the day, people value autonomy. And as long as the work gets done, most companies are in favor of flexibility.

Salaries and benefits are game changers

As inflation continues to rise, workers expect higher wages to reflect their increased cost of living. If companies cannot meet job seekers’ salary requirements, they are likely to move onto the next potential employer.

This is happening more frequently than ever before, leading to significant retention issues. According to a study conducted by Grant Thornton, 40% of people have left their jobs for other companies that offered raises of 10% or more.

Salary, however, only scratches the surface. Workers are also seeking training and development, along with benefits such as gym memberships, counseling, unlimited vacation, paid family leave, and affordable insurance packages.

People are the priority

Employers are now realizing that “hard” skills — those that are required in order for people to perform their jobs — can be taught over time as technologies and best practices evolve.

On the other hand, soft skills, such as teamwork, organization, communication, problem-solving, are becoming more crucial.

Today, people-oriented roles like Chief People Officer, Change Champion, and Employee Experience Manager are in demand. Purposeful DE&I initiatives also open the door to a wider pool of candidates with different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and other characteristics that make for an overall stronger culture.

When planning for the year ahead, it is important to provide workers with flexibility, make hiring decisions quickly, place a greater importance on DE&I, promote a dynamic company culture, and budget for higher salary increases.


This article feature trends from Addison Group’s 2023 Workforce Planning & Salary Guide.

For more valuable insights and national averages of salaries across hundreds of roles in administration, digital marketing, finance, accounting, healthcare, human resources, and information technology, download your free copy today.


Additional Resources & Insights from the Workforce Planning Guide: