As economies, governments, business leaders, HR reps, and more around the world begin to ponder the “next normal” following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only natural to be asking what will change in the world of recruiting. Here’s a brief look at some of the predictions experts are making regarding how our post-COVID world will work and function in recruiting.
Here’s what will change post Covid in Recruiting:
1. The Office Revolution
Office space is going to be remarkably different post-COVID. Aside from a departure from open-office work spaces, which have surged over recent decades, many are expecting a revolution in office structure–one that’s far from the cubicle spaces we used to know and dread.
Instead, this pandemic has been a catalyst for the envisioning of new, more functional spaces that make the use of limited space while continuing to support social distancing, which may very well be the new normal. For instance, commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield proposed the “Six Feet Office” concept.
Add to that more flexibility overall, like better consideration for outside factors such as daycare and paid time off, alongside companies reducing their investments in office perks, things will definitely look different in the coming years.
New and Improved Equipment
While the office layout is surely getting mixed around following COVID, that’s far from the only change workers should be informed about. As a recruiter, another change you should be considering in workplaces across industries is a change in equipment and supplies. Employers will now put more emphasis on materials, designs, and capabilities that ensure minimal bacterial and viral transmissions.
Low or no-touch fixtures, for instance, will help cut down on light switch, door knobs, and other surfaces that used to be touched by hundreds or thousands every day in the average office. Improved hand washing stations and even temperature checks may also stick around for employees arriving to work and people visiting an office space. Some offices may even continue to encourage mask wearing and HEPA air filters will certainly be at the top of the priority list.
Changing Office Etiquette (During Covid)
Human habits can transmit disease even in an environment equipped with a new office layout and improved equipment, which is why office etiquette will also be reviewed for improvement. Common greetings around the world, whether it be the ubiquitous handshake, a cheek-to-cheek kiss, or the touching of noses will be done away with.
Of course, we need to socialize somehow, so we may look to adopt the touch-free greetings of other countries, like the clasping of one’s own hands as they greet one another in Beijing. A wave, head nod, or obvious “hello” may also become more standard. Beyond greetings, offices will also look to cut down on face-to-face meetings all together.
Different Hours and Commutes
The 9-to-5 has barely hung in there anyway in recent years, and many say the pandemic was the final nail in its coffin. For industries that don’t have to adhere to such a strict schedule and do so only out of habit, new hours are on the horizon. Flexible work hours now have a lot of emphasis as more people seek that work/life balance we all crave, so changing hours, schedules, and commutes are to be expected.
Aside from many people getting to work from home, those who do need to go to the office will benefit because “rush hours” may begin to dissipate due to changing schedules and a larger remote workforce. Of course, people also may shy away from ridesharing and public transportation, at least for the near future, so there are many variables at work.
2. Better WFH and Telecommuting options
Aside from many people getting to work from home, those who do need to go to the office will benefit because “rush hours” may begin to dissipate due to changing schedules and a larger remote workforce.
The 9-to-5 has barely hung in there anyway in recent years, and many say the pandemic was the final nail in its coffin. For industries that don’t have to adhere to such a strict schedule and do so only out of habit, new hours are on the horizon.
Flexible work hours now have a lot of emphasis as more people seek that work/life balance we all crave, so changing hours, schedules, and commutes are to be expected.
3. A Global Recruiting Pool
No longer are companies limited to their local workforce or even people willing to relocate for a position. With more and more people working remotely as a “new norm” and not just a rare perk, the recruiting pool has truly gone global.
Now organizations will be expecting the best and brightest, and they know recruiters like you will be able to find them so long as you’re keeping up with other recruiters’ efforts to look beyond the old geographical boundaries.
4. New Interviewing Processes
Gone are the days of cold calls, coffee meetings, and multiple rounds of official interviews. Video interviewing is now the preferred way for companies, recruiters, and candidates alike to quickly get face-to-face and get down to business.
That means getting accustomed and more than comfortable with video interviewing software and best practices is a must-do. After all, changing interview processes means you need a new and updated approach as well. That’s what will help you keep your competitive edge as we enter a new era of working. I wrote a post about the best interviewing video tools (here).
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