There is little doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic will go down in history as one of our time’s defining events. My career coaching experience leads me to focus on how this pandemic will change the workplace – now and in the future.
I see a perfect storm for change. Multiple forces have combined to alter our expectations about work and career: fear of the virus, economic upheaval, extended social isolation, and a build-up of extremist tension are just a few. Severe unemployment hasn’t affected all workers equally. Pressure from the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements has impacted the entire labor market.
Changes to the Workplace
Let’s consider the context for career rethinking now while the world is not yet quite in pandemic-recovery mode. It seems that the effects on the private, public and non-profit sectors will continue until we reach herd immunity.
- Continued disruption to the workplace in terms of the number of employees working remotely and financial uncertainty will remain in effect.
- The reorganization is likely to become the rule rather than the exception as organizations try to keep pace with the size and timing of uncertain revenue forecasts.
- Additional furloughs of uncertain lengths are inevitable, and business leaders are likely to be less confident about making significant investments.
- Both the Federal government and the states will see tax revenues fall just as the demand for services increases, and a weary public expects timely and successful governance.
- A volatile stock market will pressure corporate and public pension funds just when people are looking hard at their long-term financial security needs.
- Non-profit grant-making organizations will have to respond to diminished portfolios available to support their grantees and address new issues as they arise.
A systematic analysis of these large forces’ impact on a single career has to begin by taking the broadest possible scope looking at the individual’s industry, then the organization, and finally, their job. Individual businesses within industries will be impacted differently based on their market share, financial resilience, and the speed with which they can adapt to their new environment.
Possible Impact on Your Career
Likely reorganizations will wipe out layers of staff functions as leaders trim functions that do not directly impact their bottom lines. So, some of the most pressing questions about one’s career include:
- Is my industry likely to be a winner over the next 12 to 24 months?
- Is there likely to be consolidation within the industry? If so, what will the impact be on the number and strength of the remaining organizations?
- Is my organization going to be a leader during the shakedown?
- Is my own job secure, or am I going to be forced to look for new work?
- If I feel the need to consider a move, what would an ideal job look like?
This sort of career assessment is better done sooner rather than later. The number of job seekers is likely to increase, and understanding an ideal job’s characteristics has never been more urgent. I see opportunities for those leaders who thrive on new challenges, are flexible and committed to fostering the inclusive environment needed in the workplace.
As the pandemic wears on – even as an “end” feels like it may be in sight – it is a great time to do some sustained thinking. This perfect storm for change offers a chance to develop a plan for a different career in an emerging post-COVID-19 world. It’s a “carpe diem” moment to be part of the solution in a yet-to-be-tested and challenging new environment.
Peter Sherer is a nationally recognized career coach who offers clarity and confidence to mid-career and senior executives in transition. His rigorous assessment tools enable his clients to identify a meaningful assignment that uses all of their skills and experience in just two short days. Learn more and get in touch with Peter today.