Talent trends and observations from the 2023 Greater Oklahoma City Outlook

Editor's note: This is an excerpt from the recently released 2023 Greater Oklahoma City Economic Outlook. 

READ THE FULL 2023 GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY OUTLOOK. 

READ the 2023 Greater Oklahoma City Outlook Overview.

Look back at 2022's biggest relocations and expansions

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber makes more than 250 company visits annually and captures the major challenges and opportunities businesses are experiencing. Below are some of the broad takeaways from those conversations: 

Oklahoma City employers reported robust hiring through the early part of 2022. This was likely driven by pent-up hiring demand and deferred expansions, etc. As 2022 progressed into the last quarter, we saw a cooling of hiring and reduced net, new hires being reported. This seems likely to be due to “right-sizing” from many employers who feel their headcounts are closer to optimal size and are not seeking large-scale hiring. 

The exceptions to this slowing trend are in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. We continue to hear feedback about robust talent demands to support manufacturing, transportation and distribution talent. There were also a significant number of new jobs added to the local economy supporting various customer service operations. Despite needing a large number of applicants to fill the volume demand for these roles, there seemed to be adequate availability of applicants to satisfy this demand. 

The ongoing evolution of flexible work has created unique challenges for OKC employers: space usage, high demand for remote work for tech-related roles, and difficulties recruiting talent. Entering 2023, we are anticipating slower hiring volume—though many employers indicate their intent to keep adding new jobs to their organizations, albeit at a slower pace than in 2022. 

There has been a very healthy investment in expansion and capital investment from OKC employers. Many employers reported capital investments in technology infrastructure, upgraded equipment and technology, as well as investments in improved automation and distribution capabilities.