The impact of COVID-19 on the job market has led to under three-quarters of employees considering working in a different sector.
This is according to research conducted by Totaljobs, that 70 per cent of workers are now more likely to think about working in a different industry. As well as a quarter expecting to change industries within the next year.
Under one-fifth (19 per cent) who are not working due to the virus, are using this time to plan and search for a new career. Over half (51 per cent) of these people are doing this due to the desire to learn a new skill, 43 per cent because they wish to have a better work-life balance and 32 per cent for stronger job security.
Due to the current situation, 22 per cent of employees have come to the conclusion that the role they currently hold is not for them.
Some employees, who have been furloughed have already taken on new roles, for example, former airline staff are using their first aid training to work in hospitals or becoming hospitality workers. Workers are claiming to be inspired by hearing such stories and 22 per cent state they are now more aware of how they could use their skillset in a new industry.
Jon Wilson, CEO of Totaljobs said:
Industries including social care, logistics, IT, retail and engineering have seen a surge in demand for staff as a result of Covid-19. The need to adapt to the current situation means many businesses have had to speed up their recruitment process and quickly train new staff up so they can begin work. By tapping into new talent pools from industries full of workers with transferable skills, businesses are more likely to see new staff hit the ground running.
However, not all businesses are in a position to hire at the moment. For those who have put recruitment on pause, it’s important to properly communicate with your employees and do what you can to support them. A third of people say their perception of their employer has changed based on their response to Covid-19, with one in four feeling more loyal to their company as a result.
Covid-19 has changed the game for now but in the future, businesses will need to continue plugging skills shortages and think outside the box when it comes to hiring. By looking out for transferable skills rather than a certain amount of experience in your industry, employers will find fresh talent with new perspectives who also have the relevant skills for success.
In order to obtain these results, Totaljobs surveyed 5,364 UK employees.
Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.
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