Since March 2020, our world has undergone a number of massive changes. Industries across the globe have had to grapple with sudden and far-reaching rules, restrictions and supply-and-demand challenges. As you might imagine, recruitment during COVID-19 has changed, too.

If you’re having trouble finding new hires, read on. What people want out of their jobs has changed, and employers need to pivot to address these new issues.

Work/life balance is key

The biggest change that we’ve seen over the last year and a half is what employees want from their jobs. After a brutal 19 months for essential workers—and a massive push for remote work in many industries—there are plenty of people who feel that lower wages and inflexible work situations are simply not worth their time and skill set anymore, especially if it jeopardizes health and time spent with family. Obviously, inflation plays a role in this, too.

If you want to attract great hires, it’s important to promote work/life balance. This starts with issues like remote work. Companies have now learned that workers are not only productive in remote work situations, but at times, more productive than they would be if they were commuting to an office every day.

Additionally, more employers are flexible with work hours—and they’re offering better benefits, like unlimited leave and sick days. This actually benefits the employer, too, since well-rested and healthy employees are more likely to put out better work product.

An emphasis on developing skills

The skills a certain job might require today could be completely different next week. It’s become clear that many jobs require an ever-changing skill set, especially as technology and global circumstances change. When recruiting, employers should focus on people who have the flexibility and mindset to constantly develop new skills, rather than people who happen to have the current “hot” skill set. In turn, employees should consider focusing their efforts on developing new skills, whether that’s with continuing education or other methods.

The way we hire people has changed

Finally, think about the way we hire people. Recruitment changes during COVID-19 mean that we’re no longer limited by city, state or even national borders. Hybrid virtual/in-person jobs are becoming more common, and even the way we describe jobs has changed.

For example, given the way power has shifted from employer to employee, and the rise of virtual workspaces, an 8-to-5 job in an office, with a week of sick leave and a week of vacation, just isn’t competitive anymore. If you want to stand out among the competition, you need to offer benefits like remote work, flexible scheduling, great benefits and plenty of leave. In other words, when you’re hunting for new employees, focus on the results they can deliver rather than how the results are delivered. This opens up the employee pool—and makes you much more attractive.

Recruitment during COVID-19 has changed dramatically. As an employer, it’s wise to stay on top of the changes and use them to your benefit. Need help? Contact Windsor HR Services, Inc. today.