"Nobody Wants to Work"

Here at Catena, we hear this phrase about five times a week. In calls, meetings, WhatsApp messages... And it almost always comes loaded with frustration: the company needs to hire, but the position isn't moving.

But is it really true? Is it really that "nobody wants to work"?

What we've noticed is something else: people still want to, and need to, work. What has changed is the selection bar.

Today's candidate is not the same as 10 or 20 years ago. They grew up in a connected world, with more information and more alternatives. They know they can work for companies in other states, other countries, often without leaving home.

The position needs to be competitive

Research shows that 6 in 10 professionals in Brazil think twice before accepting a 100% in-person role. Almost 3 in 4 value purpose and company values as much as the financial package.

The problem is that many companies, especially the more traditional ones, keep recruiting the way they always have. Same ads. Same benefits. Same tone.

When the company doesn't speak the candidate's language, it doesn't matter how solid it is. The position goes unnoticed.

Part of our work is to build this "cultural bridge." To help companies translate their value proposition for the current market. Sometimes it's a detail in the ad. Sometimes, rethinking the hiring format. Always, highlighting what truly makes the position unique.