Monster’s new Future of Work report has revealed that business leaders have become more inclined to hire remote workers and adjust their ideas of what is an acceptable work history.
The past year has helped challenge the norms of the workplace, making it more inclusive and diverse as a result.
“Candidates will be looking to see how a company treated their employees during the pandemic, and how they are contributing to society,” said Jort Wassenaar, managing director of Monster Europe. “It’s more important than ever that companies have a clear and compelling story to tell candidates.”
The data found that 82% of employers have plans to hire new staff this year, with 47% replacing positions that were cut or unfilled.
Healthcare, finance and real estate are the most likely to see new hires, but the retail and hospitality industries, as well as smaller businesses, will likely see a hiring freeze.
The survey also revealed that a third of respondents find that the skills gap has increased compared to a year ago. Employers and employees both agree that upskilling will be essential in the future of work.
Along with 42% of employers adopting flexible work schedules, the research also found an increase in new health policies and protocols, skill training programs, security and a boost in collaboration.
The survey revealed that a company’s size influenced what type of policy changes they adopted, with large companies more likely to embrace remote flexibility and medium-sized companies more likely to offer paid family leave.
