A third of hiring manager say fully remote working options are the most significant benefit to be implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey of 500 hiring managers in the US by staffing firm Addison Group.
Other findings in the report include 56% of hiring managers said this is the first time they performed hiring activities remotely; 26% are prioritizing remote technology skills in new candidates; and 24% plan to focus hiring on part-time, contract-to-hire and freelance employees.
In addition, 18% expect fully remote options to be in place permanently even after the pandemic and 21% cited virtual interviewing as being put in place permanently.
“The future is not entirely clear for many organizations, but the pandemic has put a spotlight on what aspects of the hiring process work and do not work amid a crisis,” said Tom Moran, CEO of Addison Group.
The report also found 89% adjusted their hiring strategies during the pandemic. Changes included:
- 58% implemented a hiring freeze
- 33% fulfilled roles internally
- 32% reduced/laid off recruiting staff
- 31% decreased hiring budget
- 26% shifted from full-time to part-time contract hires
- 25% expedited hiring