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In the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis, you might be reevaluating your current job status. Amid this pandemic, organizations across all sectors are grappling with unprecedented obstacles to their survival. In an attempt to manage costs, recruitment and staffing are often areas where cutbacks are made. Consequently, if you find yourself at risk of redundancy, it’s understandable that your morale may take a hit and your self-confidence could suffer. However, it’s crucial to understand that these difficult decisions are impersonal and not indicative of your worth as an employee. Typically, redundancies are motivated by cost-efficiency measures intended to help companies navigate through tough times, rather than being solely reflective of individual performance.
Experiencing the threat of redundancy is undoubtedly tough, but it’s crucial not to dismiss the issue. Instead, proactively explore your future possibilities. In certain instances, you might receive a redundancy payout, providing a financial cushion during your search for a new role. In preparation for what’s next, take the time to assess your options and formulate a comprehensive plan. Are you keen on pursuing a similar role within a different organization? Would you consider a temporary step down in position? Or perhaps this situation offers a chance to venture into a completely
The pandemic has seen the economy face unprecedented difficult times as seen at https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/. If you are on the receiving end of this, think about the sort of employer that you want to work for in a post-pandemic world.
Safety
In a world shaped by the pandemic, the health and safety of employees should take precedence in any employer’s future business strategies. If you are confronting redundancy, your choices may seem restricted. However, it’s entirely appropriate to reject a job offer if the company demands your presence in an office environment that fails to uphold Covid-19 safety protocols. Your well-being must not be undermined; prioritizing your health is of paramount importance.
Any post-pandemic employer should have health and safety policies that address Covid-19. They should be keen on staff well being and they should be willing to embrace flexible at-home working.Click To TweetAt a minimum, a prospective employer should be equipped to address your coronavirus-related queries during the interview. Visit https://employeradvantage.com/workplace-safety/ to familiarize yourself with the types of policies organizations should implement regarding safety training and regulations. Maintaining social distance is pivotal in the era of the coronavirus pandemic, acting as a foundation to keep the virus transmission rate under control. Additionally, the availability of face masks and hand sanitizers is an essential consideration when assessing any potential employer’s readiness.
Many employers are permitting their teams to continue remote work for an indefinite period. The coronavirus crisis has compelled companies to reevaluate their work methodologies and environments. In the past, numerous organizations were hesitant about endorsing flexible work arrangements outside the office. But in the present scenario, these same employers are embracing the concept of remote work as they find their staff more productive, and significant savings can be realized on office leases and transportation expenses. If you’re seeking validation from an employer who trusts their team, seek out a company that actively supports the work-from-home model.
For some roles within a company considered essential to business operations, it might be necessary to report to the office a few days each week. Nonetheless, it’s imperative to ensure that any prospective employer you’re considering has established office protocols that prioritize their staff’s safety and welfare. Practices like hot desking should be categorically prohibited. Moreover, extensive deep cleaning should take place daily, and the office capacity should be significantly decreased to enable effective social distancing. You should never feel obligated to enter an office setting where social distancing cannot be adequately maintained. Instead, it’s crucial for you to feel secure and comfortable, whether you’re operating from an office or working remotely on your laptop.
Industry
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, if you’re engaged in a job search, concerns about the stability of potential employers are understandable. Take some time to assess the industry you’re currently a part of and decide whether you want to persist within it. Fields like tourism, hospitality, and retail have suffered considerable setbacks due to the pandemic. Staying within these sectors could subject you to an elevated risk of redundancy, particularly if there’s a resurgence of the virus. To bolster your chances of maintaining employment, it may be prudent to redirect your attention toward alternative industries currently on the rise. This approach can allow you to tap into opportunities in sectors demonstrating more resilience, thereby providing greater stability amidst these unpredictable times.
Industries such as construction, logistics, and healthcare have experienced significant growth amidst the pandemic. The need for housing, home deliveries, and healthcare persists. If a caring profession appeals to you, there’s no better time to upskill and establish a rewarding new trajectory for your career. There are ample avenues to acquire the necessary qualifications and experience before diving headlong into a fresh profession. If there’s a buffer period in your current role before potential redundancy, consider enrolling in an evening class or shadowing an employee relevant to your desired field during weekends.
The idea of retraining can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve been out of the learning sphere for a decade or more. Yet, numerous employers value individuals who have traversed multiple career paths, as they bring distinctive transferable skills that can bolster organizational performance. For instance, if you’re an accountant with experience in financial services, HR, and banking, you possess a valuable skillset that the charity sector could greatly benefit from.
Interviews
All interview invitations you receive will likely be for remote meetings, which can add a layer of complexity to gauging whether you’d fit into a company’s dynamics. To navigate this challenge, it’s crucial to conduct a comprehensive research about any company you’re contemplating joining. Delve into their ethos, policies, and employee morale. Additionally, turn to review sites to gain insights into how the company is perceived by its customers and clients.
Conversations with current employees can yield valuable insights into their interaction styles. Are they formal and corporate, or do they exhibit a friendly, familial atmosphere? Do they welcome your involvement in larger virtual staff meetings? Are they open to giving a virtual tour of their office? Especially in the current climate, employers should be highly motivated to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of their team members, both existing and prospective.
By undertaking meticulous research and engaging with staff, you can get a clearer picture of the company’s culture and evaluate its compatibility with your personal preferences and work style. Such an approach will empower you to make well-informed decisions and enhance your chances of landing in a workplace where you can truly flourish.
For your virtual interview, ensure that you’re as well-dressed and prepared as you would be for an in-person meeting. Showcase your friendly demeanor with a smile, articulate your thoughts confidently, provide concise responses, and maintain a personable interaction. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous, but don’t shy away from lightening the mood with a humorous comment about the lockdown or the lack of a traditional handshake. Approach the interview with the same professionalism as you would under normal circumstances. Prepare a list of insightful questions to ask, and base any acceptance of a job offer on your virtual interview experience and the individuals you interact with during the recruitment process.
Securing employment post-redundancy can be challenging even under regular circumstances, let alone during a pandemic. The job market can be highly competitive, often inundated with numerous exceptional and overqualified candidates vying for a single position. Furthermore, the process of finding a new job after losing a long-held one can take more time than expected. It’s crucial to be financially prepared for this extended period and not to shy away from accepting a lower-tier position within a new company as a starting point.
Every employer in the post-pandemic era should enforce health and safety policies that account for Covid-19. They must demonstrate a keen interest in the welfare of their staff and show a willingness to support flexible remote working. Adhering to this guide can assist you in identifying an employer that truly merits your consideration, should you find yourself exploring new roles.
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