s the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across the world at an alarming rate, companies are scouring ways to stay productive in the face of this unprecedented challenge. Talent acquisition and discharge, human resource (HR) management, maintaining workloads, and managing staff procedures, has become a remote process for most organizations as they look to protect their employees and customers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major shift in a number of sectors of the workforce, in ways none anticipated. Governments in countries that have been affected by the virus have implemented social distancing measures. Some countries even declared a complete lockdown for months on a stretch. Remote working has emerged as the new norm. Workers across all industries, particularly in the service sector, have transformed their living room into workstations. Multitasking has got a completely new meaning with people managing their work, children, family, and personal obligations simultaneously. Organizations are facing a tough time and trying to adapt and survive in this seismic shift. Talent acquisition practices have changed overnight. Even during the initial days of the outbreak, none could predict that things would come to such a passé.
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Some industries like brick and mortar retailing, travel and tourism, and hospitality have been badly affected by the outbreak of the pandemic. Other sectors like pharmaceuticals and healthcare have bolstered their talent acquisition process to meet the increased demand. That aside, with a large section of the workforce working remotely and internet usage increasing, employers are knocking on the doors of the best talent acquisition companies to hire cyber security professionals. Healthcare, in fact, is one of the biggest sectors currently increasing its staff strength as systems brace up for the worst-case scenario.
With more people worldwide turning to online shopping to reduce their exposure to the deadly virus, warehousing, distribution and delivery system have also increased their hiring.
Grocers, box stores, pharmacy chains and similar businesses that are open during the pandemic, have increased their headcount to offer more downtime and flexible working schedules to their workers.
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Aviation, international hotel chains and restaurants, and the overall hospitality industry have been the worst-hit from the pandemic. Layoffs in this sector have happened almost all over the world. Some restaurants have re-pivoted quickly, with curb services and delivery options keeping them afloat. Most of these companies have to assess which workers are essential. Others may be shifted to new roles.
The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is expected to be long-term for the hotel and tourism industry. Industry experts predict, hotels that have managed to stay in business, would require at least five years to recover fully. Some reports suggest that a number of private airlines may wind up completely. The domino effect of retractions in the aviation sector is already being felt by all players, right from aircraft manufacturers to smaller organizations that provide supplies and services in airports and beyond.
The entertainment industry too is reeling from the COVID-19 impact. Considered non-essential, many have shut shop. It will take some time before talent acquisition picks up in this sector.