How COVID-19 Has Changed Recruitment
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed recruitment irrevocably. The global health crisis has changed the way companies identify talent and hire new employees.
Businesses are looking for ways to stay productive whilst facing unprecedented challenges. Managing human resources has become a remote process for many organisations around the world as they aim to protect their workers, customers and the public. Social distancing measures and remote working are the new norm. Employees are transforming living rooms into work stations, often simultaneously managing children and personal obligations. Businesses face difficult decisions about how to adapt to new work practices including recruitment.
Sectors where recruitment is increasing
There are a number of sectors that have increased recruitment needs and are hiring to meet the new demand. Healthcare may be the largest sector looking to increase staffing levels as well as online retailers and online shopping logistics providers.
Essential retailers like big box stores, grocers, pharmacies and chains are hiring at scale to meet demand.
In addition to maintaining employee levels, many organisations are increasing their headcount to allow for more flexible schedules for staff members.
Sectors where recruitment is decreasing
The travel, hospitality and entertainment industries are some of the worst affected sectors from the pandemic. Airlines, travel companies, airports, international hotel and restaurant chains, to airlines as well as locally run businesses are all adversely affected by the pandemic which is forcing layoffs around the world.
Some industry leaders predict that the travel and hospitality sectors will take five year to fully recover. Some suggest that half the airline industry could be eliminated by the pandemic. The effect of retractions in travel are impacting a host of other businesses, from huge conglomerates to small manufacturing and service organizations that provide supplies and services.
The implications for recruitment
Organizations looking to recruit, will now use technology. Virtual recruitment is now the norm to ensure that the hiring processes continues while protecting recruiters and candidates.
Initial phone screenings remain the same, but now the face-to-face interview has moved online. To speed up the process many companies offer candidates the option of video interviewing as soon as possible, instead of waiting for the pandemic to pass. Whether pre-recorded or live, virtual interviews are highly interactive. Recruitment professionals are able to assess gestures, expressions, engagement and body language as easily online as in person, as can candidates.
Guidelines for video interviewing
The interviewer
- Be as professional as you would be for an in person interview. Prepare the job requirements, and know the candidate’s resume and background.
- Send details to the candidate how to access and prepare for the video interview. Don’t assume that sending a link is sufficient.
- Remember time zones and arrange the interview in accordance with any differences for areas of the country or the world.
The candidate
- Presentation is key. Make sure you’re fully prepared for the interview. Dress the part, as you would for an in person interview. Choose a good background and eliminate distractions from your surroundings.
Global trends that could be with us for the long term
Business leaders are looking for solutions and new practices to meet the changing times which has led to new ways of working. Recruitment after COVID-19 will be different for the foreseeable future. Here are some global work trends that will affect the workplace.
Many previously on-site employees will work remotely
Working from home was already a widely accepted option before the pandemic. Now that remote work became the safest arrangement for many organisations during the pandemic, business leaders are realizing that people can be productive at home, and many get even more done. Organizations are now providing remote working as a permanent possibility.
Companies will invest more in equipping employees with new and updated skills
Even before the pandemic, advanced technologies necessitated that many employees learn new skills to stay competitive. Analysts say it’s even more vital now that employers invest more on reskilling their workforce to be better prepared for technological changes and to be more resilient during future significant disruptions.
Hiring international workers may take longer
Companies that want to hire international workers will have to consider travel restrictions due to the pandemic, that could be in place for a long while into the future. Hiring after COVID-19 will become more complex due to new rules and delays associated with aspects like travel and visa processing.
Employers will be less rigid in work schedules and company work hours
Working remotely instead of on site means that both employers and employees can expect more flexibility in working hours and schedules. The COVID-19 pandemic has made employers think about work schedules differently and more open to the idea of breaking working hours norms.
Motivation of remote employees
Employers are now having to think of creative ways to help remote employees feel like part of the team and motivated.
Things will be different
In response to the ongoing pandemic, employers and employees have to be more open to doing things differently while abiding by the new norms to stay safe. COVID 19 has changed forever how companies recruit and manage employees.
