Eight in 10 job candidates (80%), both active and passive seekers, foresee working for a new company in the next 12 months—despite, or possibly due to, the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.—according to the 2020 Candidate Sentiment Study by the American Staffing Association and its corporate research partner, ClearlyRated. This data from the survey, among other results, reveals a sense of optimism about employment and job-related opportunities as the nation continues to fight Covid-19.
Other study highlights: A slight majority of job candidates (57%) are satisfied with their current employment situation. Seven in 10 (70%) are optimistic about the future of their careers.
Perceptions have changed regarding preferred work arrangements since the onset of the pandemic. Seven in 10 candidates (69%) find working remotely more desirable than at an office or other onsite location; six in 10 (60%) find permanent jobs more desirable than other types of employment arrangements; four in 10 (44%) prefer work as an independent contractor (working for themselves); and nearly a third (32%) are more open to working as a temporary employee through a staffing agency.
Candidates also say that looking for a job is more stressful than planning a wedding (66%), public speaking (65%), the birth of a child (59%), health concerns from Covid-19 (29%), the death of a loved one (25%), and financial concerns related to Covid-19 (24%).
The 2020 Candidate Sentiment Study also sheds light on candidates’ perceptions regarding how they look for jobs (online vs. offline resources), the reasons why they decide to leave a job, and their experiences partnering with staffing agencies―with distinct differences reported among generations, industry sectors, races/ethnicities, and genders.
“To navigate the new world of work spurred by Covid-19, employers must be more attune to job candidate perceptions, needs, and priorities to effectively and strategically recruit and retain them,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research. “The 2020 Candidate Sentiment Study contains a wealth of data and unique insights into the minds of prospective talent.”
A report of the survey findings is available for purchase, with a discount for ASA members. Learn more at americanstaffing.net/candidate-sentiment-study.
Method
The 2020 Candidate Sentiment Study surveyed 711 potential job candidates, weighted to reflect the U.S. adult workforce. The sample was obtained through an independent, third-party online panel and was weighted to be representative of staffing agency utilization and temporary help assignments. The survey fielded May 12 – 21, 2020. Overall margin of error is +/-3.7%. Margin of error for reporting segments differs and is generally higher.
###
About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
About ClearlyRated
Rooted in satisfaction research for professional service firms, ClearlyRated utilizes a Net Promoter Score® survey program to help professional service firms measure their service experience, build online reputation, and differentiate on service quality. Learn more at clearlyrated.com/solutions.
Who Should Attend Employees of member companies who are interested in learning more about the member resources they can utilize through their company’s membership Highlights Are you making the best use of your company’s membership in the American Staffing Association? Learn about the many resources included with ASA membership. There is no limit to the… More ›
Participating in ASA Staffing Connect: Virtual qualifies for 8.0 CE hours (7.0 active CE, 1.0 legal CE) toward maintaining your ASA credential. More ›
Change. This one little word represents a situation that has the power to throw your life into the unknown. Some are terrified by change while others accept it, and still others boast that they love change. The fact is that change is necessary in growing companies. Staffing professionals don’t have to love it, but you… More ›
Sorry, the content you’ve selected is for members only. Maybe it’s time to join! Or if you’re already a member, please log in. Join today to get full access to Staffing Success and all ASA publications. ASA brings members a steady flow of valuable information through a suite of publications. Staffing Success magazine, our award-winning flagship… More ›
Employment and financial worries caused by the Covid-19 pandemic differ among demographic groups, according to a deep analysis into the results of the latest American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor® online survey conducted by The Harris Poll. People of color are more likely to be concerned about a variety of employment-related issues: Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American… More ›
About seven in 10 Americans (69%) believe that the job search today is too impersonal, according to the results of the latest American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor® survey of more than 2,100 U.S. adults conducted online by The Harris Poll. And eight in 10 (80%) say that applying for a job feels like sending their… More ›
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this event has been postponed until further notice. If you have interest in attending on a future date, you may still register. We will be in contact with you when we have a date rescheduled. Questions? Contact regionalevents@americanstaffing.net. Thursday, April 9 9–10:30 a.m. Eastern time AtWork Group 3215 W. Gov… More ›
Register now ASA members-free Nonmembers-$295 Who Should Attend Employees of member companies who are interested in learning more about the member resources they can utilize through their company’s membership Highlights Are you making the best use of your company’s membership in the American Staffing Association? Learn about the many resources included with ASA membership. There… More ›
May 20, 2020Advancing Women Leaders in Staffing 3:15 p.m. Break 5:05 p.m. Break Questions? Contact meetings@americanstaffing.net on the ASA meetings and events team. More ›
This ASAPro webinar will show you why teamwork and good communication are essential for a staffing firm to be able to recruit candidates, sell to prospects, and serve clients. Nothing can make those three actions come to a screeching halt faster than drama in the office. Drama, which distracts employees from their everyday work and… More ›
