The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly everything we knew about life, but it has had a profound impact on the job market and the companies doing the hiring. In the past, economic downturns like this have put a serious halt on hiring for most businesses. However, employers can approach this economic disaster a bit differently. Here is how geographic hiring has changed during COVID-19.
No Historical Data
First and foremost, there is no historical data to mirror exactly what is happening in the job market right now. What happened in 2008 with the market crash is not the same as what is happening now. In fact, there is nothing like it that has happened in this century. Having no data to go on can be hard.
Comparing this economic downturn to that of the previous decade could be a costly mistake for your organization as well. In 2008, many employers -expected potential candidates to bend over backward to get the position they wanted because the job market was so volatile. They also typically paid less, made the applicant go through more interviews, and didn’t really care about the new hire experience. Carrying these things over to the new job market could cost you good new hires and potentially some of your current team too.
There are some ways that historical data can give you hope though. More employers are shifting to adjust to new demands in their industry and changes in hiring. Doing this, the unemployment rate only remained over 9% for four months. In the 2008 recession, it took nearly two years to recover from the rise in unemployment.
More Remote Work Available
Remote work has begun to be available in just about every industry. This is the biggest way geographic hiring has changed during COVID-19. Opening your organization up to remote workers can not only expand your reach but provide your team with more flexibility, which can help improve productivity.
Working from home or remote office space has risen in popularity because it can minimize the risk of exposure to COVID in the workplace. Not only that, but remote work can also help improve productivity, morale, and workflow within the company. Additionally, putting out job listings that accept remote employees will open you up to more potential candidates. Removing a geographic restraint will allow you to gain access to top talent or candidates you would not have otherwise encountered.
Employees’ Desires Are Changing
Most importantly, the desires of employees are changing through the COVID-19 pandemic. More people are focused on work-life balance, benefits packages, and sick pay. This is another reason to consider flexible schedules or remote work within your organization as well. With the abrupt shift, many employees went through when the pandemic began in 2020, having a flexible job that will allow them to continue working no matter what is important.
Many businesses have turned to the help of recruitment agencies to help them fulfill their staffing needs during the pandemic. Contact The Staffing Resource Group to see how our team of professionals can help you.
