Jessica Sarrach ‘24, Lyonlife.org Editor-in-Chief
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, life as we knew it was forever changed. The fabric of our economy shifted as digital life became people’s only source of communication. Many companies progressed towards virtual options in order to heed the required safety precautions set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the fallout of the pandemic, many corporations are continuing to stick to virtual modes for their means of both hiring and working.
It is no secret that the job market is struggling as of 2022. The United States Department of Labor reports that during the apex of the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, unemployment in America was up to 11 million. Rates have now dropped down to six million, yet still, many remain jobless. The 2022 Global Talent Trend believes this could be a result of “employees rethinking their priorities and relationships with their employers.” The report continued, “They’re seeking flexible work arrangements and more work-life balance.” As the work force attempts to move forward from the pandemic, they are forced to change their protocols in an attempt to remain afloat, leading many businesses to become more adept to employees’ needs and wants.
As the need for laborers remains more extensive than the amount of workers looking for hire, many companies are having to change their hiring practices. Instead of holding immense applications that are very selective about which candidates they choose, many corporations are having to make their hiring requirements a bit more lax, such as choosing unskilled laborers to fill necessary positions. Businesses are also spending less time focusing on having diverse staff members, and more time desperately trying to fill positions with any available—and hopefully somewhat qualified—workers.
Along with the shift to hire with less selectiveness, many establishments are changing the means in which they hire. In the past, outsourcing was often frowned upon in certain industries. Now, with a diminishing economy, many are choosing to outsource their work in an attempt to stay afloat. Tim Sackett, an expert on labor shortages, said, “Then hiring turned back on, and organizations have been trying to figure out how to hire with less resources. Heads of HR are telling me that this is the hardest time to find recruiters and salaries for recruiters have skyrocketed.” Without many options, many recruiters are scrambling to find anyone capable of holding a job in their company, giving many who may have been rejected before a better chance at finding work.
With an unstable economy, it has become easier to find jobs. Because companies are in desperate need of workers, and have seen a huge shift in the way interviews are conducted, and the amount of background experience necessary to be hired. This offers huge opportunities for those just starting to join the workforce, giving many a headstart to a stable future.
Lyon Life 