It’s no secret that the hiring market has tightened over the past 12 months, affecting not just marketing and digital jobs, but various sectors across the board. The UK has faced numerous external challenges, including the pandemic, geopolitical events, and shifting employment models, which have impacted economic confidence. To help navigate this climate, we’ve launched our inaugural Hiring & Salary Guide. What insights does this report offer about marketing and digital recruitment and pay trends?
Marketing and Digital Jobs and Pay Review
One key takeaway from our study is that a significant portion of the market is considering leaving their current roles within the next 12 months. This indicates widespread dissatisfaction, primarily driven by salary concerns. Economic uncertainty in the UK, fueled by macroeconomic and cost-of-living pressures, has made pay a critical issue. Over half (56%) of the workforce is dissatisfied with their salary, although 61% expect a pay increase in the coming year. This suggests many are seeking new roles for better compensation.
Lack of Progression
While pay increases aren’t feasible for all employers, it’s encouraging to see that candidates value more than just remuneration. Training opportunities rank second among motivators for marketing and digital professionals. One-third cited development—or the lack thereof—as a key factor in their decision to leave an employer. Surprisingly, only 42% currently have access to development opportunities. This lack of progression contributes to high turnover in the sector. Employers serious about retaining and attracting talent must offer adequate platforms for career growth.
Flexibility and Benefits
Beyond pay and development, flexibility is a crucial factor. An overwhelming 98% of marketing and digital specialists consider flexible working important when choosing a new role. This, along with pensions and private healthcare, ranks among the top desired benefits. Our study also highlights the demand for contract experts, as employers seek to leverage the contingent workforce to manage projects and workloads amid economic challenges and skills shortages.
Digital Expertise in Demand
In today’s technology-driven world, digital expertise is highly sought after. Employers prioritize digital skills over creativity, data analysis, and communication attributes. As technology becomes integral to marketing and communications, businesses must possess these skills to remain competitive. However, these attributes are in short supply, and competition for top talent is intensifying.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is poised to significantly impact marketing and digital jobs in the next three years. Nearly nine out of ten respondents agree that AI will enhance efficiency and productivity, particularly in content creation. While the full impact of emerging technologies remains to be seen, it will be interesting to revisit this study next year to assess AI’s evolving role.
We’ve only scratched the surface of the data and insights in our Marketing Hiring & Salary Guide. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the market, including pay rates by sector, candidate motivators, and employer demands, download the full version.
Contact the team today to find out how we can help you. Read more of our blogs on LinkedIn.
