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.
Of the 91% who said that they intend to upskill and re-skill, 55% said that they are doing so to be prepared for how automation and digitisation will affect their future, while 21% are looking to change their career or industry that they work in.
With COVID-19, people are expecting and planning for the worst-case scenario. Employees are harbouring greater expectations for their employers to help guide their career development, specifically what type of skills to acquire and how to build their digital capabilities in the ‘new normal’.
21% of respondents are looking to switch career industry
The pandemic has resulted in weaker labour market conditions, as the number of unemployed increases and the number of available jobs in the market decreases. This has resulted in candidates being more flexible in their career and job expectations.
Fresh graduates or mid-career switchers looking to enter a new industry unrelated to their accumulated experience and skills may face stiff competition, as they will not be able to fully meet the job requirements. Those who can successfully demonstrate a positive learning attitude, are open to embracing change. Job seekers who are flexible in their salary expectation and employer choice will stand a higher chance of securing a job during such trying times.
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