'Times are Changing' by Simon Quinn
‘Unprecedented’ has been used more times in all our vocabulary in the last few weeks than ever before.
We are all struggling to describe the fast-moving events brought on by the Coronavirus outbreak and try to assess their impact on all our lives. It is now clear that we face both a health and financial challenge, the like of which we have never experienced previously – and certainly not in tandem.
Here at Moon Executive Search we are in a privileged position insofar as we work across multiple industry sectors and therefore can provide an interesting take on not only the challenges facing our own industry, but also the positive responses that individuals and businesses are taking.
“All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realise it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
Walt Disney
Simon Quinn, Director of Executive Search, at Moon Exec Search considers what will be the lasting effects of Covid-19 on UK businesses:
The simple answer is that it is perhaps too early to assess with any real certainty, although there are some early trends that we can learn from, such as:
Homeworking – I see that this will become the norm for many workers throughout the UK. As we all get more comfortable with how to achieve great results through disciplined routines, employees might not wish to return to their predominantly office-based role. As a result, employers will be challenged to convert many more roles into ‘hybrid’ opportunities that allow for homeworking with less frequent office hours. Challenges will remain of course - how do you really know your employee is working when they say they are? How do you ensure commercial data is protected adequately? How do you act as a responsible and caring employer that is mindful of potential mental health issues brought on by loneliness and isolation? Despite these questions, expect to see more businesses permanently adapting their office/home worker ratios in the coming months.
Digital Interviewing – As more of us permanently move over to homeworking, there will be a proportionate rise in the use of digital solutions, with more of us turning to Skype, Whatsapp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other platforms to conduct initial meetings. For example, in the recruitment industry we can expect more digital interviewing as whilst there had been some previous scepticism as to whether ‘virtual mediums’ can accurately assess soft skills and ensure a good cultural fit, when faced with no other alternative recently, the obstacles have suddenly seem less important. At Moon, we have been able to use such digital solutions to conclude three key appointments over the last two weeks and indeed we are onboarding a new member of our own team this week. Put simply, online interviewing is here to stay, and early adopters will benefit the most.
The Interim Market – indications suggest that the interim market in the UK will be buoyant once the worst effects of Covid-19 are over. Businesses will be keen to make up for lost time, but nevertheless will remain cautious in their approach for the foreseeable future. They will want to manage cashflow closely whilst kicking off urgent projects. This will lead to professional interim candidates being highly sought after as they offer the flexibility needed to react quickly to market forces. Interestingly, some interim consultants may choose the opposite path and seek security in permanent employment. If this happens, it may ultimately drive up interim day rates until the economy finds its’ new equilibrium.
So, whilst we cannot yet be certain of the full impact of Covid-19 on the employment market in the UK, indications suggest the effects will be significant and the changes long-term. However, some of those changes can be beneficial for those who seek the positives as the times change.
Come writers and critics, Who prophesise with your pen
And keep your eyes wide, The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon, For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who, That it’s namin’
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’Bob Dylan