As I look back on 2025, it was an interesting year – it moved at quite a speed (How are we in December!). Hiring needs shifted quickly, projects paused and restarted, and organisations were often required to make decisions at pace. Although Slade Group had a successful year, we saw the market being turbulent on many fronts. This left areas exhausted, including some of those we work with which include directors, company management, project leaders, hiring managers and of course candidates.
What was encouraging and helped ensure our success across Slade Group is we were anchored by our connection. Staying close to our clients, our candidates, our broader professional network and our markets. Just as importantly, our consultants remain connected to each other across the Group. How our people showed up is what truly shaped our success this year. Within multifaceted recruitment scenarios, the team at Slade worked together, taking a caring, poised and confident approach to clients and candidates – that we’ve become known for. That’s something for me as a leader which is really lovely to witness and be a part of… brilliant work to say the least!
A Group of brands and people who prioritise care
Across the Slade Group, each of our specialist brands played a distinct role in supporting clients and communities. Synchro Partners continued to grow and evolve with the shifting IT landscape, including the exploding influence of AI, helping organisations navigate changing technology and project needs. Slade Executive strengthened its high touch consultative approach to permanent recruitment, supporting organisations in securing high-calibre professionals and business support talent. Slade Education worked closely with leaders of education providers at major universities and independent schools in an evolving sector, helping them respond to appoint leaders that steady the ship or drive new direction. Our Healthcare practice concentrated on senior appointments across an ever-changing and somewhat exhausted health and community services environment.
Interchange Bench provided reliable temporary and contract staffing to industries facing fluctuating demand, ensuring clients and talent were supported through constant change – not to mention staying on top of workplace legal change.
Yellow Folder Research delivered market intelligence and insights that enabled confident, informed hiring strategic workforce decisions.
TRANSEARCH Australia brought deep expertise in executive search, guiding organisations through their most critical leadership appointments with rigour and humanity.
What defined our 2025: care and connection
In a reactive, turbulent and unpredictable market, trust, empathy and open communication mattered more than ever. The best outcomes this year came from honest conversations, shared understanding and the willingness to stay close to professionals in our network to work through challenges together. 2025 reminded us that recruitment is never just about jobs, skills and experience – it’s also importantly about people, timing, culture, support and community.
Thinking of our candidates
I also want to acknowledge the reality many candidates faced this year. Opportunities were harder to find, processes sometimes moved slowly and competition for roles intensified. We see this, and we understand the pressure it creates.
Across all our brands, we remain committed to:
- advocating for you,
- sharing opportunities as they arise,
- offering guidance where we can, and
- supporting your career journey in every way possible.
We are really thinking of you and always looking for ways we can help create a more inviting hiring market or drive successful individual hiring scenarios.
Looking ahead
A market of ups and downs may continue into 2026, but so will opportunity. With strong collaboration across our brands and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve, we move into the new year ready to support our clients, candidates and industry partners through the journey ahead. We will continue to evolve with the market and encourage positive, meaningful and successful recruitment outcomes where we can.
So, with 2025 almost done, I’m sure we are all looking forward to some warmer weather. With the festive season ahead, I hope you find time to unwind and connect with family and friends – or just do nothing 😉 (which I have heard a lot) – I wish you a joyous time.
Evan brings close to 20 years of recruitment experience, working across the market with deep networks and a strong focus on adding value. He has a proven track record partnering with business leaders, owners, and professionals to solve strategic challenges and secure top talent. His experience spans across large enterprises and SMEs within sectors such as Financial Services, Utilities, Health, Not for Profit, Transport, Retail, FMCG, Civil Infrastructure, and Professional Services. View profile…