Search firm executive Ashleigh Brown says she remembers the days when she would put up a post for a position, screen applications, follow a process and select the best candidates. Now, she and her team at Robert Half are consistently coming up with creative ideas for finding potential candidates, and taking a proactive approach for almost every empty position out there.
Meanwhile, skilled candidates are typically courted by multiple companies. Some don’t show up to the interview, or they decline a job offer, or leave shortly after they join a company for another job. All of this is occurring to an extent Kullar has never seen before, she said. “Cost of living has risen considerably. Gas prices are still around the $2 [per litre] mark, housing, rental [costs] or trying to buy a house seems to still remain out of reach for many people in B.C.,” says Kullar.
Meanwhile, many B.C. workers are looking to other provinces or countries where it may be more affordable to raise a family or live a more financially comfortable life. Brown herself has had two team members relocate to Robert Half’s Calgary office because the city is more affordable. Those who spoke to BIV say a sticking point are hybrid-work arrangements that meet both the expectations of employers – many of whom want to see more staff back in the office more regularly – and the flexible work expectations of employees.