August and September 2024 have seen a sharp decline in recruitment activity in the Deep Tech sector in the UK. We have seen a sharp decline in vacancies and in salary growth. Numerous companies have implemented hiring freezes and some layoffs have quietly taken place.  Here are some of the common mistakes that companies make.

Not engaging with prospective employees – Especially in deep tech industries when things ramp up again, companies struggle to hire. So, it makes sense to continue to nurture one’s talent pool and prospective employees. Too often companies stop talking to appropriately skilled prospects because they do not know if or when they might start hiring again. My advice is to continue to meet and greet people that might be of interest and gain their permission to stay connected. That way when you can hire, they have a good impression of your business and may be available or may recommend someone else. This will significantly reduce hiring time and cost when you are recruiting, all for 30 minutes in a online meeting or call or if locally a simple 30–45-minute coffee. It is fine to be clear about the fact you don’t have open opportunities but would like to meet in case of future hiring. 

Forget to be fun – When there is cost cutting often companies stop being fun and it feels as if staff are less well nurtured and looked after. Uncertainty breeds anxiety so it is exactly the time when companies need to be social with their staff.  Read my blog 5 free ways to boost staff morale when in cost cutting mode.

Stop celebrating : Try to celebrate the small things. Set up quarterly and annual awards celebrating leadership, inter team service, personal development and other elements championing culture and supporting the team. Make sure to celebrate milestones project completions, work anniversaries, acknowledging successes encourages the team, lightens the mood and helps motivate everyone to strive for more. 

Losing the staff you want to keep – Typically fewer people or lack of resource heaps pressure on a few key people. Is there any wonder that they then walk. They are asked to work harder, longer and at a time when rewards are scarce and uncertainty and anxiety is high. Review and replan deadlines and priorities on all projects to ensure that people are not overburdened and that the plan/s are realistic and achievable. Take care not to overburden the staff that you want to keep. 

Enigma People Solutions is an award-winning technology recruitment consultancy. We find technical leaders for the emerging and enabling technology industries. Visit our services page for more information. Visit our job search page for the latest vacancies in photonics, electronics, semiconductor, software and IoT in Scotland and the UK. Check out our blog page for the latest in the technology industry. You can get in touch with us hello@enigmapeople.com or call us on + 44 131 510 8150