The Princess Is In Another Castle: Understanding Layoff Trends and Finding Solutions during Recession

We’ve all seen it – I’m on LinkedIn regularly and at first I thought it was just my algorithm feeding me out-of-work Corporate Recruiters, but unfortunately, it’s more widespread than that.?In the midst of an economic downturn, organizations often face the difficult decision of implementing layoffs. This process is not only challenging for the employees directly impacted but also sends ripples throughout the company.

Interestingly, corporate recruiters are among the first to feel these effects. While it might initially seem unusual, considering their crucial role in bringing talent to the organization, the reason is rather straightforward. When a company is in a phase of downsizing, its focus is not on expanding the workforce but on optimizing and restructuring its existing human resources.?This also extends respectively to these types of positions:

• Customer Success
• Marketing
• Training & Development
• Middle Management
• Administrative
• Human Resources (non-recruiters)
• Event Planning
• Facility & Commercial Management
• Project Management?
• Underperforming Sales Reps
• Real Estate

This, however, does not imply that all recruitment activities cease. The needs of organizations evolve with changing economic conditions, and their recruitment strategies evolve correspondingly. Instead of hiring full-time recruiters, companies start to lean on contract recruiters and recruitment agencies to meet their hiring needs.

This is where companies like Rezeo step in. As a boutique recruitment and contracting agency, we help organizations navigate through this challenging period by providing flexible and strategic talent solutions. We work closely with our clients, understanding their specific requirements and constraints in the current climate, to help them find the right talent for critical roles.?As you can imagine, I have a lot fewer full-time w2 roles, and much more contract and payroll right now.

My process involves extensive communication, much like coordinating a group project – this is paramount. We actively engage with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their needs and expectations. With this information, we search and select candidates who not only possess the required skills but also fit into the company culture, optimizing the chances of a successful hire.

While the economic downturn presents numerous challenges, it also brings opportunities for companies to reassess their workforce strategies, streamline their operations, and build a resilient workforce ready to take on future challenges.

Despite the hardships and difficulties, companies continue to strive and adapt. With assistance from recruitment agencies like Rezeo, they can weather the storm and build towards a stronger future.

On the bright side, not all industries are undergoing downsizing, as the show must go on. ?If you’re reading this and looking for some advice on what type of companies to target, here are some industries that I know generally thrive or maintain resilience over recessions:

• Consumer Staples - such as food/beverage, household products, etc.?
• Healthcare & Pharma
• Utilities - such as Water, Electric, and Gas.
• Discount Retailers - such as Walmart, Costco, Aldi etc.
• Education and Training - People begin to rekey their skills and head back to school or seek new certifications.
• Debt Collection Agencies -?As you can imagine, prolonged periods of unemployment will drive people to increase their debts.??

While it may seem unnatural, or even uncomfortable to consider changing industry direction, casting a widespread net over every industry may result in a less effective response. Choosing a different path and refining your focus may be the most successful strategy, as you'll find companies more eager to hire, with fewer interviews and a far shorter hiring process.

If you have any questions, my door is always open! Any thoughts? Comments? Leave a note below. Thanks for reading!