It’s no secret that the ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 epidemic is having serious economic implications for millions of Americans. Since the initiation of widespread state-enforced quarantines in late March, several businesses and industries (in particular industries such as dining, tourism, and retail) have been hit hard by steep declines in commerce.
Further complicating matters, lost industry has prompted a tidal wave of layoffs and furloughs across the nation, as companies are hard-pressed for their fiscal survival. The U.S. Federal Government’s COVID-19 stimulus check program, paired with unemployment benefits, has offered temporary support for some, however, a surge in civilian applicants has overwhelmed both State and Federal online systems, leaving several waiting for benefits without a concrete idea when (or if) they will receive their entitlements. Additionally, High School students and College students who are filed as dependents on taxes are ineligible for these funds, and several of these individuals are facing a job market that is, more often than not, difficult for new entrants to take a stab at.
The State & Federal Government Response
Despite all of this, some states and regions across the United States have made progress on reducing the number of COVID cases through testing, hospitalization, and social-distancing efforts. While some states, such as Texas, Pennsylvania, and Colorado have instituted partial-reopening measures, some medical experts advise that these measures have considerable risks if proper precautions are not taken. On May 11, NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the Finger Lakes Region (including Rochester), the Southern Tier (bordering Pennsylvania), and the Mohawk Valley region all meet the CDC’s guidelines for reopening; and plans are in place for reinstating some economic activity — including construction, manufacturing, and curbside retail — on May 16th, with the potential of rolling back the economic activity, should COVID cases increase.
The Current State of Reopening
If all goes as planned in New York State, some workers within construction, manufacturing, and retail may begin to see employment opportunities start to reopen, as pent-up demand for these services will prompt an increase in hiring. Keep in mind that businesses in these industries will be expected to practice a range of protective measures, such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks. Some companies, such as General Motors, have taken these measures even further, implementing thermal cameras to check for fevers among their assembly workers, in addition to regularly disinfecting work equipment.
White-Collar Work During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Beyond the trades, white-collar workers can expect remote work (via platforms such as Zoom, Slack and Google Drive) to remain the primary modus operandi for this type of employment, as most offices are expected to remain closed throughout much of the United States for at least the next few months. Despite the scourge of unemployment that has faced white-collar workers these past few months, a few bright spots exist. In the long run, the shift to remote working may make allow prospective employees greater flexibility in where they wish to live, opening up new offerings of jobs to those who cannot or wish not to live in the United States’ densest populated cities (such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago) which have historically had some of the world’s highest mean rent prices; which also tend to be where several prominent companies operate offices. This shift could result in a job pool that is more diverse and meritocratic than in years prior. If nothing else, the COVID-19 lockdown has forced many companies and individuals across the globe to think long and hard about their day-to-day operations in prior times and how things might be different in the future.
Conclusion
Remaining flexible and open-minded, as difficult as it may be, is critical during the time being. For better or for worse, the gradual reopening of the economy will almost certainly bring wide-scale societal shifts; fundamentally changing the way we work. If you find yourself hard-pressed for work, such as facing a furlough or layoffs, or if you’re trying to get started (such as those among the Class of 2020), the recruiters at Techladder Inc are here for you. Our empathetic employment experts can help you identify transferable skills that you possess or could further develop to be of use to employers in an array of STEM, IT & Skilled Trade Organizations. eel free to give one of our recruiters a call at (585) 300–4720 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, or check out our current openings on Indeed.