Labor and Recruitment Trends in Retail
I have been working at ANCOR in the retail team for many years and have observed how employers in this industry change from year to year. In 2025, retail will actively adapt to the changing market, focusing on technology, personalization, and sustainability. Thus, we see an intensification of the struggle for qualified employees through improved working conditions and career opportunities. Companies are increasingly using temporary employees, freelancers, and flexible contracts to reduce risks and optimize budgets.
Companies have started contacting us more frequently for market research and salary analytics because they want to create more satisfied employees by creating workplaces where each of them feels valued. It is important for employers to consider the needs of potential candidates and current employees, their different experiences, and different life situations. In meetings with our clients, we observe that a personalized approach is being used more actively. Companies make individual offers, career plans, and motivation programs, understanding the necessity and uniqueness of each employee.
More and more job seekers are choosing companies where they can develop new skills (including future skills such as working with big data, managing digital platforms, and customer experience), and participate in interesting projects. Companies are striving to provide in-depth training for employees, focusing on skills that are difficult to automate: communication, customer orientation, and conflict management.
The hybrid work format remains a trend. Retail companies are increasingly offering flexible working conditions, including remote work, and implementing platforms for remote interaction and employee training. Attending various exhibitions and conferences, we also see the ongoing trend of automation. HR departments in companies are increasingly using chatbots for communication both within the company and with potential candidates, and using algorithms to analyze resumes and initially assess candidates.
Retail is becoming more flexible, technological, and oriented towards the needs of candidates and customers. Retailers who successfully adapt to these changes will be able to retain their employees and customers and remain competitive.
Oksana Kumanina, Team Leader, ANCOR