To help your company plan for a successful 2021 and beyond in the current environment, ASA commissioned ClearlyRated (a third-party research firm) to conduct a survey gathering potential employee perceptions and experiences in order to gain a better understanding of how staffing agencies can navigate the new employment realities of the coronavirus pandemic.
While a slight majority of potential job candidates (57%) are satisfied with their current employment situation and seven in 10 (70%) are optimistic about the future of their careers, eight in 10 active and passive job seekers (or candidates) foresee working for a new company in the next year—despite, or possibly due to, the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S., according to the ASA Candidate Sentiment Study.
We’ve all felt the sting of Covid-19 in so many ways. Relative to work arrangements, perceptions have definitely changed since the onset of the pandemic. Economic concerns have heightened fears and amplify a need for security, which individuals find in different ways. Specifically…
- Seven in 10 candidates find working remotely more desirable than at an office or other on-site location.
- Six in 10 find permanent jobs more desirable than other types of employment arrangements.
- Four in 10 prefer work as an independent contractor (working for themselves).
- Nearly a third are more open to working as a temporary employee through a staffing agency
Trying to bolster a feeling of security and lessen pandemic-induced economic fears is promoting optimism but is also quite taxing and worrisome. Candidates 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 ASA 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,” says Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research. “The ASA Candidate Sentiment Study contains a wealth of data and unique insights into the minds of prospective talent.”
Visit americanstaffing.net/candidate-sentiment-study for a report outline and link to the ASA online store for your copy of the full report, or one of the two mini reports.
ASA members always are welcome to contact the research team at 703-253-2020 or research@americanstaffing.net with questions about these statistics or other ASA research.
Cynthia Davidson is senior director of research for ASA. Send feedback on this article to success@americanstaffing.net. Engage with ASA on social media—go to americanstaffing.net/social.
Staffing Success Magazine - January–February 2021
As the chief executive officer of a company that links staffing agencies to job seekers nationwide, Eric Gregg knew the industry needed to be more focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. But the pandemic and subsequent protests over racial and social justice, combined with the timely prodding of a new staff member, prompted Gregg and… More ›
The impact of the persisting pandemic has been felt far and wide, most notably relative to the labor market and the resulting strain on the economy. While there are no crystal balls and forecasts are changing constantly based on pandemic “what if” scenarios, growth-focused company leaders cannot afford to pause planning for business recovery, expansion,… More ›
If there were silver linings last year, one of them may have been a broader view and awareness of diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace. As the employers of nearly 16 million temporary and contract workers each year, staffing companies with reliable and relevant employee-focused data will be more competitive and successful in the… More ›
The longer-than-anticipated presence of Covid-19 has severely affected the livelihood and significantly elevated levels of stress for millions in the U.S., but disproportionately it would seem, based on one’s demographics. Concerns Differ by Race/Ethnicity People of color are much more likely to be concerned about a variety of work-related issues: Hispanic/Latino and Black/African-American individuals are… 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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
What began as a unique challenge and buzz term after the economy recovered from the Great Recession is now a persistent and potentially broadening issue—the skills gap. Businesses continue to struggle in their search for employees with what they perceive to be the necessary experience, skills, and training to fill open positions. The issue becomes… 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 ›
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 ›