Why talent attraction and retention is so hard in 2025

The world of work has changed so much in the last 5 years but our approach to creating jobs and hiring people hasn't changed at all.

Sure most businesses are using automation, some are using AI and many have started to offer hybrid WFH and in-office options.

But underneath all that, the same assumptions and beliefs drive practices and processes that are not longer fit for purpose.

This isn't such a big deal for corporates, but it's a huge deal for small businesses!

Because in corporates, work is still kinda like a factory, it's siloed and people are replaceable cogs in the wheel; one person barely makes a difference to the overall outcome in the business.

But in small businesses work is much more like a soccer team, every person on the team is involved in many aspects of 'the game' and each person is chosen for their special skills; one person can make or break the team. 

So if you keep trying to hire the same way you always have (and the same way big corporates do) you'll keep hitting your head against a brick wall.

Because the standard recruitment process is perfectly designed to find cogs for wheels, to attract people looking for 'employment'.

But what you want is someone who will care about your business, be committed to their responsibilities, someone you can trust, rely on and who generates an ROI.

For smaller businesses the way you hire can be the way you win.

It's not admin, it's a core strategic business activity.

And like it or not, it's the gateway to culture and performance in your business.

So if you're happy banging your head against a brick wall struggling to attract or retain a team of great people, just keep doing what you've always done.

But, if want to attract great people who want to help you turn your vision into a reality you'll need a different approach.