Examining Factors Influencing Talent Acquisition in a Modern Workplace: Autoclick PTY Ltd Case Study

ABSTRACT
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid and remote work models, reshaping employee expectations regarding flexibility, autonomy, and work–life balance. This study examines employees’ perceptions of factors influencing employer attractiveness and application intention in a modern workplace, using Autoclick Pty Ltd, a South African information technology company with 35 employees, as a case study.
Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental case study design was adopted. A census sampling approach was used, and all 35 employees were invited to participate. Data were collected using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. A total of 23 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, skewness, and kurtosis.
Findings: The findings indicate that organisational environment (96%), organisational perception (87%), and inclusivity (74%) are the strongest determinants of talent attraction. Hybrid work policies (56%) and generational perspectives (48%) were less influential. Results further show that unclear job advertisements, weak employer branding, and slow recruitment processes negatively affect organisational attractiveness.
Study limitations: The study has several limitations. First, the sample was relatively small, with 23 employees participating from a population of 35. Second, the respondents were current employees of Autoclick, meaning that the study measured employee perceptions of employer attractiveness and stated application intention rather than the behaviour of prospective applicants. Third, the study did not measure actual talent acquisition or recruitment outcomes, such as application rates, hiring rates, or time-to-hire. Finally, the use of a single small South African IT company limits the generalisability of the findings to other organisations and industries.
Contribution: The study concludes that flexible work arrangements, organisational culture, and communication transparency significantly influence talent acquisition in modern workplaces. Strengthening employer branding and improving policy clarity enhances organisational attractiveness.

Hybrid work, talent acquisition, flexible work models, modern workplace, employee perceptions, remote work

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