The 2020 COVID-19 Labour Pulse Survey is an online study conducted by Randstad Malaysia with 531 locally-based working professionals between 26 June 2020 and 5 July 2020. The study aims to understand the local workforce’s sentiments about the employment market this year, as well as the challenges and experiences of job seekers thus far.
The survey revealed that 58% of respondents are actively looking for another job in the next 12 months. The top three motivators for employees to change jobs during a pandemic are:
- 24% want to change their career or industry that they work in
- 13% said that their skills and experience no longer meet their current job requirements
- 15% have unfortunately been retrenched this year
Employees whose job responsibilities have been drastically altered may hence be motivated to enter new industries. Healthcare and technology are perceived to be more recession-proof or can provide a greater level of job security.
72% of respondents willing to take on professional contract jobs or project-based jobs.
Though contracting jobs are not what Asian talent would usually go for due to its perceived lack of job security and income stability, many are starting to see it as a viable option during these trying times.
Contracting jobs may actually provide more job security and a chance to get their foot in the door to gain relevant skills and experience. Especially if it’s in an industry or with a company they would like to build their career in.
If you’re hiring and interested to find out more about our HR solutions, feel free to connect with us.