Hays Global Talent Tracker

See how the UK stacks up – and compare with 35 other countries – across five critical talent metrics shaping workforce strategies.

Get the UK insights now

Our findings at a glance

Here’s a snapshot of the key employment and workforce trends based on our survey of over 5,100 respondents from across the country. Our research explores the employment trends currently shaping the world of work, and identifies the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead – all to equip you with the information you need to find the talent you require, or take the next step in your career.

  • Employment outlook

    Organisations are navigating rising costs, talent shortages and economic uncertainty to focus on growing revenue, improving efficiencies and expansion. Hiring plans remain strong for the year ahead, and employee mobility is on the rise.

    • 77% plan to hire in the next 12 months, almost no change from last year (78%)
    • 62% of professionals plan to move jobs in the next year compared to 57% last year

  • Skills in demand

    Employers are facing persistent skills shortages which are negatively impacting on hiring across all levels of seniority. Organisations are investing in upskilling in an effort to alleviate skills gaps.

    • 93% of employers faced skills shortages last year, no change from the year prior
    • 56% of organisations are focusing on upskilling employees

  • Salary strategies

    Salaries continue to increase, but employees are less satisfied with their compensation. Although pay transparency remains highly valued by professionals, improvements could be made in this regard by organisations.

    • 84% of employers increased salaries in the last year and 80% plan to in the year ahead
    • 40% of employees aren't happy with their salary or pay rate, increasing from 32% last year

  • AI in the workplace

    The uptake in AI usage is becoming more widespread in today’s workplaces, but there remains significant skills and training gaps.

    • 34% of employees use AI regularly in their workplace compared to 24% last year
    • 47% of employers are facing moderate or extreme AI skills shortages, but 26% of employees haven’t received any AI training

  • Ways of working

    Hybrid working remains popular amongst both employers and employees. Positive work-life balance is declining and working overtime is common for professionals.

    • 49% of professionals wouldn’t consider accepting a job that did not offer hybrid working
    • 48% of employees rate their work-life balance as average or poor, compared to 41% last year

  • Attracting talent

    A lack of career progression and development is leading to reduced job satisfaction. Flexible working approaches, positive workplace cultures and a focus on employee wellbeing all appeal to both permanent and contracting staff when considering new roles.

    • 65% of employees rate their job satisfaction positively, compared to 71% last year
    • 53% of employees would accept a lower paid job for a better work-life balance

The five forces shaping your workforce strategy

  • 1

    Talent Value

    Where does your investment in people deliver the greatest return?

  • 2

    Talent Participation

    How inclusive, engaged and resilient is the workforce?

  • 3

    Talent Development

    Are education and training systems building future-ready skills?

  • 4

    Talent Market Flexibility

    Can the labour market quickly adapt to your evolving needs?

  • 5

    Talent Innovation

    Is the ecosystem equipped to drive technological progress?

Complete the form to unlock the full data and explore:

Built for leaders like you. You'll recieve:

  • Your copy of the UK insights
  • Access to the interactive Global Talent Tracker tool

Straight to your inbox.


Watch this quick two-minute overview to uncover just some of the key highlights: