A few years ago, we were awakened by an alarm clock, commuted to the office and returned home at the end of the day to start the process all over again. Then there was a pandemic. And a lot of people are saying, “No” to the calls to return to that pre-pandemic normal.
The pandemic lockdowns provided the time and space to really think about everything, including work and how it fits into life. Companies and employees pivoted to working from home, and many will never surrender that newfound independence and flexibility.
According to the Labor Department, 4 million people quit their jobs in April. Before the pandemic, that would have signaled a good economy with low unemployment. Now it is a sign that workers realize that how things have been done in the past doesn’t have to continue. Remote work beats a long commute and flexibility with childcare and family time is more important than the free coffee in the office.
According to Gallup, about 70% of white collar workers are working remotely, and well over half of those want to continue to do so. But there are some concerns, such as possibly missing out on promotions or mentoring opportunities. Companies that are considering a hybrid approach will also need to address these concerns and make sure remote workers have the same opportunities as workers who choose to be in the office.
One of the things that may be shaping the willingness of workers to job hop is the dilution of company culture during the lockdowns. Employees who don’t feel connected will more easily decide to spruce up their resume and take interviews. Concerns over skills and training also tempt workers to jump ship. Employers need to invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce and to promote from within so workers don’t feel that they need to switch companies to get a better title or salary.
Another trend to keep an eye on is that recruiters are suddenly in demand. According to Forbes, a search for recruiter jobs on LinkedIn’s job section showed nearly 300,000 results. The talent wars are back, and HR is going to have lots of work to do.
Having a relationship with a recruiter will make this new normal a bit easier on HR departments. Recruiters who have worked through the pandemic have their fingers on the pulse of what workers are looking for in new hybrid environments. Companies that are moving to a completely remote workforce will also benefit from the insights recruiters can provide on what top talent is seeking in a new job.
If you are currently hiring, what types of issues are you facing in finding and attracting the right talent for your positions? Let us know in the comments section.
