Are We Doing Enough?
Last night I could not stop thinking about the recruitment sector and how we'll reflect on how we performed, what we achieved and how we helped during the period I’m sure we’ll call 'the Covid Crisis 2020.
To be honest I’ve not finalised formalised my own thoughts on this yet, maybe as we are very much still in the eye of the storm as it were (this is code for more to come on this.)
Are we doing enough, all of us? Will we look back and see a time where we just saw our people as billing and revenue numbers? The volume of Recruiters currently furloughed across the UK would suggest we are putting our stall out that recruitment is a revenue first industry. This may not be the case and I would never want to judge other businesses without knowing their circumstances, however it is an understandable link for many to make. It should also be said furlough does not have to be viewed through a negative lense. I sense it's not in many industries, but I fear in our industry it is somehow being linked to talent, performance and or ability.
Recruitment is so much more than just revenue in my opinion, we are there to help, support, guide and nurture talent/opportunities for business and individuals who have a need.
I wonder whether I am doing enough to help others right now, maybe that’s the real reason this is playing on my mind? I have 15 years near enough experience in this industry, however with the focus on looking after ourselves and our businesses at this point, is that coming at a cost to helping others? Is it realistic to do everything or do some things have to be sacrificed for the greater good whether this be personally or professionally?
Based on all this I would like to give a special mention to my colleague James Gamble of Infinite Supply Chain Talent. Yesterday James secured 5 Fixed Term Contracts for 5 people who'd been negatively impacted by Covid 19 and as a result were not in work. These people all start new jobs today.
James, I know has found this process rewarding, but also emotional, it exposed the human element of how Covid is affecting people, something which in recruitment we do see first hand. Not the physical health impact witnessed so widely, but the livelihood impact on people and families. I’m proud to say I work alongside you James, great work.
I know this industry can achieve great things if we put our mind to it.
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3 年Simon, thanks for sharing!
Managing Director- Cummins Mellor and CJUK Recruitment - Blackburn
4 年Hey Simon. Hope you’re good. The challenge for larger recruitment companies will managing the return of furloughed staff. Permanent placements won’t land (start dates etc) for a good 6-8 weeks which means two months wages for business owners to find with little to no income. I’m guessing most will rotate people back in or phase them.
Simon Brown I think you have highlighted a number of very real issues in terms of how we value recruitment, and how we value the people that live within our industry. There is so much to say in response to your comments, but first of all we have to take pride in what we do and not be ashamed to tell the world that we are great at what we do; we have passion, integrity, resilience, dedication, commitment. As we begin the process of exiting 'lock-down', lets not forget the lessons we have learnt and be proud to help our clients find amazing talent to help them rebuild their businesses. Let recruitment be that catalyst. Let our people thrive. Let's go to work!