Business Services 2022: a new pattern emerging?

The competition to secure the best talent is very much alive and kicking, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Recruitment has never been easy, but it appears that some firms are struggling more than others to attract good people.

The dominant pattern that we have seen throughout Q4 of 2021, and already this year, is that smaller and mid-sized law firms seem to have the edge over some of the larger firms when attracting talent.

Motivations and expectations of candidates have changed so dramatically that in many cases, the 'benefits' that large corporate firms offer - like 5-star offices, brand name and visibility - are just not that important anymore.

We are finding that some of the larger firms have a lengthy and inflexible hiring process, and crucially are not in a position to offer as much flexibility when it comes to ‘hybrid working’. Now, smaller and mid-sized firms seem to be more agile, more in tune, closer to their employees, and they work much harder to understand the needs of their employees and potential new hires.

We are finding that the smaller/mid-sized firms are closer to understanding the shift in candidate motivation. It is not just salary and a swanky staff canteen. Instead, it's flexible working hours, WFH options, and wellbeing. In some cases, it feels like the tables have been completely turned, and candidates have become sceptical of the motivations of the larger firms in the City!

Will this prove to be the case in 2022 and beyond……we shall see!