Is this the aftermath or the nightmare is still on ?

Being one of the very few business owners and hiring managers who is actually hiring rather than building a database, I have seen the impact Covid-19 has had on the market so close and it is disturbing.

The volumes of applications have been crazy. Here is one example of an application that was deactivated in 24 hours due to the sheer volume.

Majority of the interview calls have had reasons for either furloughs or salary not paid or laid off due to Covid-19. It becomes difficult to make sane decisions when you hear experienced people mentioning EMIs and willing to join internships. I have seen recruitment process up so close for almost a decade now. Trust me, it has never been this bad.

What's more frightening is that we don't even know if this is the aftermath or are we in the nightmare and the aftermath could be worse ?

Either ways, Covid-19 has redefined the world we live in. It has had a significant impact on employees' wellbeing and mental health. Isolation and loneliness threaten some; while some thrive under the no social responsibilities world. Blurred boundaries between work duties and personal duties threaten work life balance further. 

Now more than ever, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being.

Looking at the positives -

1. Never have I ever heard of such emphasis on mental health of employees by employers. What could have taken years to reach this level of focus.
2. Upskilling - With less travel and less social interactions, employees have invested in upskilling. The L&D world has changed for good. It has become more self-serve like how it should have been.

Personally, it is difficult to go through the discussions and not being able to help. But then without any support from the government it is very difficult to do too much.

The least possible we, at Bash and Wobot, could do is to not let go of any employee, be it even for non performance.

Pay everyone on time.

Pay rents.

Pay for mental well being apps or sessions. 

I wouldn't want to term the hiring as a noble cause. They are the positions generated by sales for which we are paid for. No charity there. Anyone painting themselves as a 'messiah' definitely has the wrong intentions in mind.

Just have empathy and be humble. 

We will pass through this. Maybe soon, maybe in years. But we will.

Till then, take your sessions. Upskill.

The opportunity can come soon. Are you ready?

Meanwhile, I am blocking 2 hours every Saturday for anyone who wants to talk about work, opportunities, upskilling or any career challenges. Feel free to DM.

Stay safe and Take care !