Doing more with less’ to drive growth in 2025

This is a guest blog from REC business partner Access Group.

As we settle into a new year, efficiency of recruitment operations is paramount for growth given tough market conditions. Recruitment firms face the dual challenge of meeting ever-evolving client expectations while managing their own resources effectively. This delicate balance requires not just hard work, but also smart strategies.

So how can agencies do more with less to achieve sustainable growth?

Maximising Efficiency with Strategic Resource Management

Nick Beecroft, Head of New Business at Access Recruitment, poses a crucial question leaders should ask themselves: “Do I have to continually add salary and headcount to achieve more in my bottom line?” He prompts them to reconsider traditional growth models that rely heavily on increasing consultant numbers and salaries. Instead, he advocates for leveraging existing resources more effectively, identifying areas where technology and process improvements can enhance productivity without inflating costs.

Embracing Flexible Resource Models

Neil Carberry, CEO of REC, emphasises the importance of adaptability in resource management: “Client businesses and recruiters need to think about how we use different forms of resource at different times. That, actually, requires better management and more skill.”

Flexible working models, such as project-based hiring or outsourcing non-core functions, can help recruitment firms optimise resource allocation. Just like their clients, this allows them to scale operations to meet fluctuating demands without committing to permanent increases in overheads.

The Role of Technology in “Sweating the Small Stuff”

Technology has become a cornerstone of modern recruitment, enabling agencies to streamline operations and focus on what matters most: building relationships and delivering value to clients. From automating repetitive administrative tasks to enhancing data management, the right recruitment software can free up valuable time for consultants to concentrate on high-impact activities. For example, candidate sourcing, compliance management, and interview scheduling can all be simplified with advanced recruitment technology. These efficiencies not only reduce operational burdens but also improve the overall candidate and client experience.

To put these insights into action, recruitment agencies should consider the following:

1. Audit Current Processes: Identify areas where inefficiencies exist and assess how technology can address them. Focus on automating repetitive tasks and eliminating bottlenecks.
2. Invest in Scalable Technology: Choose recruitment software that aligns with growth objectives. Look for solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing tools and offer features like real-time analytics and compliance tracking.
3. Develop Flexible Resource Strategies: Evaluate the potential of project-based hiring, outsourcing, and freelance talent pools. These options can help manage workload variability while reducing fixed costs.
4. Enhance Team Skills: Provide training to help consultants make the most of available technology and adapt to new ways of working. A skilled and tech-savvy team is critical to maximising efficiency.
5. Monitor and Measure Outcomes: Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the impact of these changes. Regularly review metrics such as time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and client satisfaction to ensure continuous improvement.

A Future-Ready Approach

By embracing the principles of doing more with less, recruitment agencies can position themselves for long-term success. Achieving growth doesn’t always require more people or higher costs. Rather, it’s about working smarter- leveraging tools, refining processes, and cultivating a culture of adaptability to accelerate growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Discover how you can let the tech sweat the small stuff and take your business further in 2025.