December

2023

TOP 10 must-know facts for 2023

As the year 2023 draws to a close, it's time to ask "What will we remember about this year?" Between international conflicts, the introduction of the 4-day week, pension reforms, and Rugby World Cup fever, this year has been rich in events with diverse repercussions.

In this article, discover the 10 key figures that marked the employment and recruitment sectors. From the evolution of recruitment to the impact on employment, to the emergence of new trends, let's take a closer look at the highlights of this past year.

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Employment

Unemployment rate in France: 7.3%

Boosted by sustained economic growth in 2023, France maintains a stable unemployment rate of7.3% in the third quarter. However, significant disparities are apparent, with a high unemployment rate of 16.2% among young people aged 18 to 25, and persistent concerns among seniors, reaching 6.9% for 60-64 year olds according to the Apecstudy. These nuances underscore the diversity of challenges in the job market, requiring differentiated approaches to effectively support each demographic group.

40% of permanent contracts broken within the first year

An alarming finding reveals that 40% of open-ended contracts are broken within the first year, according to the DARES study. This trend underlines the fragility of professional stability for a significant number of workers on permanent contracts, highlighting the importance of careful human resources management and employee well-being to ensure more effective retention and sustainable productivity.

Faced with this observation, many companies have chosen to invest in their employer brands to maximize employee loyalty.

11 million job offers published

A significant increase is observed in the number of professional opportunities in France, with 10,958,000 job offers advertised in 2023, compared with 7,458,000 in 2022. This notable increase is a sign of economic recovery, indicating increased demand for labor and growing business confidence in the recovery of activities across all business sectors.

Recruitment

59% of professionals are thinking of returning to their former employer

59% of staff are considering returning to their former employer. This phenomenon, known as "Salariés Boomerang", is becoming increasingly widespread in the working world. Hence the growing importance for companies to cultivate lasting relationships and implement a real off-boarding strategy for their employees.

61% of hiring projects are deemed difficult by employers.

Employers are currently facing considerable challenges in the hiring process, with 61% of recruitment projects deemed difficult. This statistic underlines the growing complexities companies face in finding the right talent. The reasons behind this difficulty are diverse, ranging from the rapidly changing skills required on the job market to increased competition to attract qualified professionals.

In response to these challenges, many companies are choosing to outsource their recruitment by placing their trust in recruitment agencies.

68% of companies are considering outsourcing their recruitment

Faced with the many recruitment difficulties encountered by companies, outsourcing recruitment 68% of companies are considering outsourcing their recruitment. By delegating this key function to specialized experts, companies optimize their recruitment efforts.

Also read:

In Amiens, Aurore SELLIER buys her recruitment consultancy Alphéa Conseil

Meeting with Jekaterina Noguera, head of recruitment consultancy Alphéa Conseil Paris

New trends

35% of French people plan to change jobs within 2 years

Career aspirations are changing rapidly, with 35% of French people planning to change jobs in the next two years, according to the Centre Info barometer. This increased mobility poses challenges and opportunities for employers. It also raises the question of internal mobility and cross-functional skills development. It is all the more important for companies to monitor their employees to support them throughout their career path.

68% of Generation Z consider corporate climate action to be an important

criterion.

The environmental impact of companies is playing an increasingly prominent role in the career choices of members of Generation Z. Nearly 68% believe that a company's climate actions are an important criterion for being attractive on the job market.

71% of people would apply for an offer proposed by AI, even in a different industry

AI continues to reshape the recruitment landscape, with71% of professionals willing to apply for an AI-generated offer, even in a different industry. This statistic underlines the growing acceptance of technology in the recruitment process.

International

Employment rate in Belgium: 72.2%

Belgium boasts an employment rate of 72.2%. This statistic testifies to the strength of the Belgian labor market, suggesting favorable conditions for workers and employers alike. High employment participation is a reflection of effective economic and labor market management policies.

198,724 job vacancies in Belgium

Belgium is a dynamic market with almost 200,000 vacancies, underlining the need for effective recruitment solutions. This abundance of job opportunities can positively influence professional mobility and company competitiveness, while representing a challenge for employers looking to fill these positions quickly and efficiently.

Are you looking to recruit in Belgium?
Contact David BOON, Managing director Alphéa Conseil Brussels.
+32 478 92 14 07
david@alphea-conseil.com

In conclusion, the key figures for 2023 in employment, recruitment and artificial intelligence paint a complex but instructive picture. As we bid farewell to this year 2023, the outlook for 2024 promises to be a playground for innovation and adaptability.

In 2024, the focus will have to be on flexibility, innovation and understanding workers' emerging expectations. Companies that know how to anticipate and adjust will be better positioned to thrive in this ever-changing business environment.