Weathering the recruitment storm

One area of the industry that is proving resilient to the financial conditions and is actually enjoying growth is that of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), largely due to its flexible cost-saving nature.

Working with a provider to identify and source talent has proven to reduce both time and costs involved in hiring, and the majority of the time shows an improved quality hire. Rather than simply restructuring the recruitment function or ‘giving away’ work to an outside company, RPO is a transfer of knowledge and expertise.

Of course one of the major implications that the credit crunch has brought about is the high volume of organisational change and the need for companies to increase productivity. Sue Brooks, Managing Director of RPO provider Ochre House, comments: “We typically work with companies that are going through a major transformation of the business, or in response to the credit crunch. But one thing is for certain, if the organisation needs significant change in their business model in order to achieve considerable difference in their success, then literally all activities become aligned and focused around that business plan. Resourcing couldn’t be more critical; make sure that as a company you’ve got the right people in the right roles, when business needs them, in the most efficient way.”

A key factor in the increase of RPO is the change in perspective of talent management during a recession. There is an increased recognition that getting the right, talented people into your organisation, and engaging and keeping them is the most critical way that you will come out of the recession and grow for the future.

“We’ve seen that the importance CEOs have placed on talent management has made the difference in enquiries coming in so fast, rather than a localised reaction to tough times and cost concern,” explains Brooks. “It’s not a quick and easy way to suddenly offload costs, it’s definitely because of the strategic importance of talent in achievement of the business goals.”

Source: Grapevine Magazine

Posted by Grapevine Magazine