Four Tips to Circumnavigate the 'New' Workforce

The UN's Framework for the Immediate Socio-Economic Response to the COVID 19 Crisis warns that "The COVID-19 pandemic is far more than a health crisis; it is affecting societies and econ¬omies at their core. While the impact of the pandemic will vary from country to country, it will most likely increase poverty and inequalities, global suffering will escalate, jeopardizing lives and livelihoods for years to come.

I've read some articles over the last few months about large companies restructuring and the result being mass layoffs and I expected this to continue even in 2021, and while I hate reading about people losing their jobs, I also believe we will begin to see some positive changes in the workforce and companies will thrive again but there will be some rough patches along the way.

Let's take a look at what we can expect in the next few months, how things will begin to turn around, and how job seekers can take advantage of these new opportunities.

1) Company Restructurings Will Continue
Companies are going to spend the first quarter of 2021 restructuring because the COVID-19 pandemic taught them they don't need as many employees as they thought, and that they can do more with less.

Being lean and efficient benefits companies two ways right now:

1.    It positions them to weather through the ongoing pandemic and economic uncertainty.

2.    It enables them to reinvest into other areas of the company, or in new initiatives.
While this is smart business for these companies, that doesn't provide much solace to the unemployed.
Just because it's a new year doesn't mean things are going to be better overnight. We're going to see more layoffs before things start to stabilize.

Here's what employees should do:
 - Develop an entrepreneur mindset. This positions you to have an optimistic view of your circumstances. It allows you to keep your options open, and helps you develop a determined, never quit attitude.

 - Know your strengths. Understanding what you have to offer is the first step in demonstrating that value in your current position and to a future employer. Creating a resume and keeping it up-to-date helps remind you of your worth in the marketplace.

 - Stay connected and act. This may be as simple as volunteering with an organization you find rewarding. Networking will continue to open doors for those who take action and cultivate relationships. It is an investment in your future.


2) Disruption Leads to Innovation and New Opportunities
Many professionals laid off from both large and small companies, are going to start their own businesses. Some of these professionals will start new businesses based off of the industries they were previously working in, while others will turn hobbies and other specialties into careers.
A lot of start-ups are incubating as we speak and will soon be in the need of top talent and will be looking to hire professionals who have worked at these name-brand organizations that have reduced their staff.

There are a lot benefits to working at a start-up, particularly now where flexibility has taken on an even greater importance. Many employers are more focused on the impact and value of your work, not the exact hours worked.

In addition, working at a start-up is a chance to use your skills to carve out a new role that provides value to the company, and gives you more personal satisfaction.

I understand that working at a start-up isn't for everyone, luckily there will be other options available.

3) There's A Hidden Job Market
Even some of the companies that are laying people off are still hiring, they're just hiring at a much lower rate.

This may shock some people, but for those with experience in the corporate world it makes perfect sense. Becoming a more efficient company isn't just about laying people off, it's also reallocating resources and changing priorities.

Sometimes shifting priorities means creating new positions, and in some cases these companies have to go outside of their organization to find people with the skill sets they're seeking.

Beyond that, there's retirements and natural workplace attrition that leads to jobs becoming open. The trick is, many of these job openings won't be posted on job boards or be made very public, and that's why it's called the "hidden job market."

These positions may only be posted on company websites, or be advertised by word of mouth or referral. This means that you need to be very intentional in your job search and tap into your professional network on LinkedIn. In many cases, you may need to reach out to strangers on LinkedIn.

This may sound a little overwhelming, but this is actually the proper way to do a job search and the best way to get the attention of hiring managers at these companies.

4) Embrace Remote Workers' tools
Remote work is a working style that allows professionals to work outside of a traditional office environment. It is based on the concept that work does not need to be done in a specific place to be executed successfully and remote working empowers people to do their best work, from wherever they are.

Here's a list of some of the tools we recommend to help during your transition to remote work:
 - G Suite- Through video conferencing, chat, and Google's wide collection of productivity apps, businesses can collaborate no matter where they're located ensuring streamlined, reliable access.
 - Asana- Using tools similar to Asana can help stay focused and productive with a virtual to-do list, letting team members know when it's their time to review a project, or keeping on track for tasks due that day.

 - Zoom- Using video conferencing apps like Zoom creates more opportunities for the free flow of information and feedback, a necessity for maintaining remote workforce engagement.

 - Slack-Through using communication applications, such as Slack, you can create continual permission for employees to bring up issues that aren't coming up in team meetings or one-on-ones, or to ask quick questions they would normally do in person.

How can we help you  embrace remote working tools?

Hamilton Katsvairo is a renowned futurist, influencer and thought leader in the field of business and technology. He advises and coaches many of the best-known organizations. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and twitter @hkatsvairo, Email: hkatsvairo@gmail.com or WhatsApp +263772733760.