The impact of COVID 19 on the nation’s economy and its effect on the workforce and unemployment is undeniable. At the onset of the pandemic, over 20 million Americans were unemployed. As a result, according to Pew Research Center, the U.S. unemployment rate shot up from 3.8% in February – among the lowest on record in the post-World War II era – to 13.0% in May. That rate was the era’s second highest, trailing only the level reached in April (14.4%).
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many being unemployed, furloughed, or working reduced hours, there is hope. Just like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, so has the rise in freelance employment opportunities. Freelance job openings increased over 25% during the April to June quarter of 2020 — compared to the first three months of the year, Freelancer’s “Fast 50” report found.
With employers facing continued uncertainty as they struggle to navigate this new, complex normal quickly and practically, some alternatives that businesses are having to consider are budgets, converting to a digital platform, customer experience, employee engagement, and creating new revenue streams.
For people seeking employment opportunities amidst so much change, it can be tough to look beyond one day to the next. However, as we get use to a new reality, you must take a second look at the future of the workforce, and it just may not line up with what we previously thought of as normal.
Freelance work provides employers with a flexible workforce and provides those seeking employment adaptability in the workplace and an opportunity to work independently. According to a report from online freelance marketplace Freelancer.com, the most in-demand jobs are those related to the pandemic in health care institutions, government, mathematic modeling, business, and media organizations.
Globally, there has been a demand for freelance workers in home entertainment and online shopping. Consequently, workers with applicable skills, which may include game designers and developers, as well as e-commerce professionals are in huge demand.
The concern of any business or organization is making sure they can meet the needs of the customers or clients. It’s paramount to establish a working environment that serves your clients or customers effectively to create long-term retention. It’s important to focus on the tangible. What can you do now to support your teams, your customers, and the business or organization?
For employers, working differently is not only possible, but it also offers an opportunity. Many teams are operating successfully remotely by connecting and accessing team members and executives conveniently. It makes decision-making quicker.
Many businesses are thinking in both the short and the longer term, which means they must think about how they spend money, how they can satisfy customers and their employees. One option they must look at beyond their operating systems is employees, with many opting to hire freelancers.
You also want to consider your workforce. Whether you keep your full-time staff or hire freelancers, it’s about team building and fostering community. The use of virtual communication is the best way to support your team and a way that you can increase engagement and work performance.
Creating the “new normal” for your business or organization can be done strategically, and with the right support, it can be successful. If you need to transform your business or organization into the digital era, realign your workforce, provide internal and external communications, and more, then contact us at Outreach Strategists. During the pandemic, businesses and organizations have to act and react with incredible urgency to shift operational strategies to achieve their original objectives. We’ll help you navigate in unfamiliar territory and focus on your common goal.