The coronavirus outbreak will affect the way people work and search for jobs. Here is why
Turmoil has engulfed the
world, with stock markets sinking, supply chains breaking and quarantine laws
being introduced throughout the major economies. How will the coronavirus
pandemic affect the future of work? We’ve asked the IMSA Search members to
share their thoughts.
IMSA Search: The
current situation is hitting the many different layers of global economy. Are
the companies and job candidates adjusting to the new circumstances?
Monika
Ciesielska, IMSA Poland: In my opinion, we should act with determination, but
deliberately. Even if everybody knew that the virus would come to Poland, it’s
always kind of shock that it’s spreading so fast and that our country is not
excluded from the disease. Now we know that it’s here, and we need
approximately one-two weeks to calm down and change the working routine.
Jerry Chang,
IMSA China: We need to adjust to a new situation. There are many
changes in client and candidate behaviour, which – in this situation – is
natural. In China (but not only here), clients refuse to meet with candidates
face-to-face. Mobility has been limited to absolute minimum, which does not
only apply to travel. Candidates are less likely to transfer to other cities
for a new position. They prefer to stay where they are because of their family,
and we need to respect that.
Alena Sanders, IMSA Czech Republic: Overall,
the percentage of available candidates will increase. The hospitality field is
already affected, and a significant number of smaller businesses will be facing
difficulties and might go out of business. Some people might need to change
their career path and start working in a different field in which vacant
positions are still available.
Monika
Ciesielska, IMSA Poland: On the other hand, the IT sector seems to be quite
safe. After all, coders and developers just get what they are always asked for
– the possibility to work remotely. I agree that the situation is dire, but we
also should be very cautious about painting the darkest scenarios. Let’s stick
to the facts and give people some time.
Alena Sanders, IMSA Czech Republic: Of
course. That also means that in the short-term, at least for a while, there
might be a higher number of available candidates actively searching for a new
position at the market with lower salary expectations. In the long-term, the
market should return to normal as soon as the economy stabilises.
Jerry Chang, IMSA
China: I agree. In a long perspective, business will go back to
normal. In China, where the situation was difficult a few weeks ago, now the
virus spreads under control and significantly fewer people are dying. It
probably takes four to six months for business to go back to normal. When it
comes to predicting business recovery for the lost revenue, I would say that it
will take year or more.
IMSA Search: You
pointed out that we all need to adjust to the new situation. As a consequence
of the outbreak, will remote work become more common?
Marianna
Carbonnari, IMSA Italy: Yes. In Italy, we are currently under a total
lockdown and coronavirus is forcing companies to adopt smart or remote working.
I think this is a very difficult period but also a good opportunity to
introduce a more flexible organisational model that hopefully will also be
maintained in the future.
Alena Sanders,
IMSA Czech Republic: Actually, companies that weren’t open to offer
remote work to their employees now have an opportunity to test whether going remote
is for them. Under the pressure of state restrictions such as school closures,
people are forced to either take vacation time, sick leaves or home office.
Employers who will be flexible and support their employees to ease the situation
by offering the ability to work at home will get loyalty in return. Mutual
trust gained in a critical situation may support loyalty between the employer
and the employee. Remote work is necessary in this situation.
IMSA Search: And
how about headhunters themselves? How can executive search specialists modify
their daily routine in order to perform their duties effectively?
Alena Sanders, IMSA Czech Republic: As in other fields, remote work and the use of new technologies is a must in this situation. Personal interviews will be replaced with more Skype calls. But, there is a positive side for headhunters. In general, candidates have more time for interviews and are willing to discuss opportunities.
Marianna
Carbonnari, IMSA Italy: Also, headhunters should maintain strong business
partnership with their clients and be particularly supportive in this
challenging moment. Patience, strategic vision and optimism are three critical
competencies for a good leader and for a wise advisor in this critical
situation.
