Recruiting itself is in an odd predicament. Real activity in the segment is always a consequence of growth and the perception of opportunity. Single digit improvements and low national attrition rates make the workload lower than usual. The massive flows of resumes from the job boards overwhelm the shrinking recruitment workforce. Quality, as usual, is the issue. Eventually, movement between jobs will restart whether it's in a new, more conservative environment or a faster growth driven set of circumstances. Slow simply means the pain will be protracted.

The traditional summer slump is a good time to get started preparing for the change. When it comes (and it won't be later than Christmas), it will be the end of the traditional rhythms in recruiting. The underlying labor shortage is a reality, even if the economy only grows at 1%  for the next decade. Methods and approaches to acquiring and maintaining Human Capital are ready to undergo the transformation we've been talking about for years now. 

Because the environment is shifting, it is unclear exactly what the driver will be. It could be increased employee demands for work-life balance. It could be the movement to treat employees as investors or customers. It could be growth. Whatever the named driver of the change, the result will be higher-quality, more tailored work arrangements in an environment that recognizes that people are hard to come by.

As June turns into July and August, the slack in recruiting schedules offers an important opportunity to review your strategy and positioning.

 -John Sumser