Upcoming Hiring Trends of 2021 At The Executive Level
While the 2020 career predictions went for a toss owing to the pandemic, there are a few trends and dramatic changes that are certain when we look ahead at 2021. These trends will affect careers and job searches across the globe. Hiring nowadays looks radically different than what it did in 2019. Affected by COVID-19, rapid changes have surfaced within a short span of time including virtual recruiting, internal mobility and up skilling. Moreover, diversity is finally being getting the accountability it always deserved.
Let’s look at some of the foreseeable trends that will linger on well into 2021 and affect the employment landscape.
Remote working: Unless the vaccine is administered to most of the population in the country, there are chances that offices remain shut. In most cases, the return would be gradual and slow to mitigate the risk. Many companies including Adobe, Facebook, Infosys and Amazon have already switched to long term remote work.
Over 70 % managers feel that with the right tools, admins can manage their duties off-site just as effectively as they can in the office.
High tech: An increase in digitalization of tasks requires the executives to be office technology experts. Right from videoconferences, training colleagues in new scheduling software or creating email marketing campaigns, the kitty of tech-related tasks has expanded for the executives.
As firms switch to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline core processes, executives with the skills needed to work around those tools are relatively more employable.
Soft skills: With geographically dispersed teams having a lack of in-person interaction, soft skills such as good communication, empathy, judgement, ownership, kindness, responsibility and intelligence are crucial than ever before. The physical distance can cause miscommunication and executives are vital points of contact for others in the organisation. Therefore, they must demonstrate the above mentioned qualities to ensure their colleagues can collaborate effectively. They need to be able to understand and acknowledge the situation and treat people well.
Firms are looking for culturally aware leaders who can humanize business. Therefore a leader who can look beyond the business and sense the mood of the world around them would be highly employable.
Stronger ethics: Leadership demands strong work ethics. It is important how companies govern themselves and how leaders follow companies’ laws, their data governance. And then, businesses that have got B Corp status have general ethics around sustainability that need to be diligently practiced. A leader with strong bend towards ethics is more valuable.
Eye growing sectors: While most economies around the world took a big hit in 2020, but not all sector were affected equally. In fact, some experienced growth. Experienced and skilled executives can thrive in almost any industry, so don’t be afraid to look for opportunities outside your comfort zone, in areas such as healthcare or e-commerce.
From the above-mentioned points, it is clear that the talents required of tomorrow’s leaders go far beyond the current corporate skillset. If the executives are ready to embrace these traits, they would be able to help run the businesses better.
(This article includes the inputs from Mala Chawla, Managing Partner, Global Practice Group Leader for Diversity and Inclusion, Stanton Chase & Amit Agarwal, Managing Partner, Regional Specialization Leader CFO Practice, Stanton Chase )
