A strong economy and evolving workplace norms will create hiring opportunities and challenges this year
This article was originally published by HR.com Analysts in Nov. 2024.
Highlights:
- Economic stabilization and renewed business growth are fueling hiring surges across industries.
- Despite the growing awareness of mental health’s importance, only a few employers currently integrate wellness screening into their hiring processes.
- HR teams must stay ahead of changes in areas such as candidate data privacy laws, fair chance hiring practices, and industry-specific compliance updates.
As the new year approaches, HR professionals are preparing for the new face of hiring. The challenges of 2024—from nationwide strikes to the rapid integration of AI in recruitment—have left lasting effects on hiring strategies.
With a stronger economic outlook and evolving workplace norms, 2025 will make good on its promise to bring new opportunities alongside fresh hurdles.
Here are some key hiring trends that HR professionals need to watch in 2025.
A Hiring Rebound Brings Opportunities—and Challenges
After several years of fluctuating hiring rates, 2025 is set to see a marked rebound. Economic stabilization and renewed business growth are fueling hiring surges across industries. While this uptick brings optimism, it also amplifies challenges for HR teams. As hiring volumes increase, the pressure to quickly vet candidates while maintaining compliance and quality is greater than ever.
HR professionals face a delicate balancing act: ensuring speed without sacrificing thoroughness. Traditional background screening methods, which often involve time-consuming processes, are no longer viable at scale.
Dynamic, technology-driven screening solutions are crucial to handle increased demand efficiently. Tools that integrate with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and leverage automation can streamline the vetting process, enabling HR teams to focus on securing top talent.
Consider adopting screening tools that provide real-time insights, and automated compliance checks to stay ahead. This ensures a smooth hiring process while mitigating risks associated with rushed decisions.
OSHA’s New Emphasis on Mental Health and Wellness
Mental health and wellness have become central to workplace discussions, and 2025 will see a heightened focus in this area. On the heels of an overwhelming mental health crisis amid the pandemic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced plans to prioritize mental health initiatives, reflecting broader cultural shifts toward employee well-being. This means HR teams must adapt their practices to align with new standards.
Occupational health screening partners have emerged as critical support systems for meeting these new standards. With the ability to set up wellness-focused screenings, employers can proactively identify and address potential mental health risks and offer support to their teams when it’s needed. Occupational health services, such as mental health assessments, will be essential components of hiring practices in 2025.
For many organizations, this represents an untapped opportunity. Despite the growing awareness of mental health’s importance, less than half of employers currently integrate wellness screening into their hiring processes. By adopting these measures, companies will comply with evolving OSHA guidelines and promote healthier, more engaged workplaces.
Geographically Dispersed Talent and Return to Office Initiatives
Workplace environments will see two key trends continue into 2025: the persistence of geographically diverse workforces and the return to physical office spaces for many organizations.
First, geographically diverse workforces remain a mainstay for many employers, driven by the success of remote work models and the need to tap into broader talent pools. This shift requires HR teams to navigate a complex web of state-specific regulations when conducting pre-hiring background checks and drug screenings.
Employers must maintain compliance with varying state laws governing background checks, privacy, and employment practices. Leveraging screening tools with built-in compliance capabilities can simplify this process and reduce risks.
At the same time, many companies have started and will continue implementing strategies to bring employees back to physical office spaces, propelled by a desire to support more collaboration and teamwork. This transition emphasizes the importance of creating safe and positive shared working environments.
Comprehensive screening measures, such as thorough background checks and drug testing, play a pivotal role in ensuring workplace safety. Industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing, where in-person interactions are integral, must prioritize these measures to foster secure and productive workspaces.
Balancing these dual trends requires a modern tailored program. HR professionals must address the unique needs of geographically diverse teams while proactively ensuring that return-to-office strategies emphasize safety and inclusivity for all workers.
Adapting to Evolving Compliance Standards
Hiring regulations continue to evolve, and 2025 will be no exception. HR teams must stay ahead of changes in areas such as candidate data privacy laws, fair chance hiring practices, and industry-specific compliance updates. Each state may impose unique requirements for conducting background checks and onboarding, including disclosure mandates, employee classification laws, ban-the-box policies, and restrictions on reporting certain types of criminal records.
Dynamic screening programs that adapt to changing regulations are critical and will help keep businesses informed of any changes in guidelines they must adhere to. Look for providers that offer real-time compliance updates and customizable workflows to address your organization’s unique requirements. This ensures your hiring practices remain strong and legally sound.
Preparing for the Future of Hiring
From navigating a hiring surge to integrating wellness-focused screening, the trends of 2025 demand innovative solutions and strategic foresight. Adopting a solution with a hands-on, creative approach to background screening equips employers with the tools they need to succeed in this dynamic environment. By embracing technology, prioritizing mental health, and staying ahead of compliance updates, HR teams can build resilient hiring practices that support long-term organizational goals
Stay Ahead of the Trends with Shield
At, Shield Screening, we partner with dozens of industry leaders to offer total background check customization. Plus, fully electronic authorization forms, I-9s, signatures, and report tracking in a user-friendly portal that integrates with the top ATS platforms. For a free demo, contact us today!
