AI versus Company Culture – balancing the expectations of businesses and talent in Jersey

Over the past year we have witnessed a significant shift in both candidate expectations and employer demands. While artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate conversations with clients, company culture and remote working options are more important for Jersey professionals.

Candidates still overwhelmingly believe working from home (WFH) is good for employers and employees. 82% of those we surveyed said they thought WFH benefitted both staff and firms—a slight decline from 85% last year. However, the number of people who felt WFH is better for employees than employers nearly doubled, from 7% to 13%.

This data underscores an important trend: while professionals see remote working as a win-win, there’s growing recognition it may favour employees more. For businesses, the challenge is striking the right balance between offering flexible work arrangements and maintaining a productive environment. As recruitment consultants we can help our clients navigate this landscape, ensuring they understand how to craft roles that meet the evolving needs of their workforce while still achieving business goals.

This is particularly important when Artificial Intelligence is involved. Companies are actively seeking talent with AI skills to enhance their business processes, whether through platform development, operational system optimization, or digital marketing. However, many employers are still unsure about the specific AI competencies they need. Job descriptions often include vague requests for ‘some knowledge of AI,’ which can deter applicants. We advise clients to be more precise defining their AI requirements, making it easier to attract candidates with relevant skills or the potential to develop them.

While AI and digital skills are in high demand from island firms, company culture is the top priority for professionals. A survey conducted by Kendrick Rose in May 2024 found that 54% of candidates view company culture as the most important factor when looking for a new job, up 8% from last year. In contrast, 27% prioritized flexible working, 13% cited the benefits package, and only 6% said pay was their primary concern. This marks a change in candidate preferences, away from salary and perks, toward finding workplaces where they feel valued, supported, and aligned with the company’s values.

A growing emphasis on company culture means employers must focus on more than offering competitive pay and flexible work arrangements. To attract and retain top talent, businesses need to create a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and personal growth.

While the frantic pace of compliance hiring has slowed, there are still ample opportunities in compliance monitoring and reviewing. Jersey’s positive Moneyval report highlights the ongoing importance of high regulatory standards, and this is an area where we see growth in candidates choosing to switch careers and develop their qualifications.

We are hearing calls for more young people to study STEM subjects to better prepare them for work in the finance sector and this is something schools, parents, and industry need to work together on. Digital Jersey continues to play a critical role driving innovation and skills development across the island and initiatives such as entrepreneur bootcamps and the £20 million Impact Jersey Fund, are helping local companies adopt digital solutions and tackle specific challenges in the short to medium term.

For the longer term, this means recruiting the right talent is not just about finding candidates with technical expertise. It’s about finding individuals who adapt to the rapid pace of technological change, something we recognise is as much about attitude as skills.

Our role as recruiters remains the same – balancing the expectations and demands of businesses and talent in Jersey to help candidates find the best jobs and employers the best people for their attributes and requirements.