Poll Finds Optimistic Outlook Among Hiring Managers

A new Harris Poll, commissioned by Express Employment Professionals, finds hiring managers optimistic. 62% of businesses predict operations will return to pre-pandemic levels going by the first quarter, with another 27% believing this will happen further into 2022.

Hiring managers say the keys to business continuity during this difficult time include allowing employees to work remotely (46%) and/or being an essential business (36%). One out of three say having a plan for crises (33%) and/or reducing their operational costs (e.g. reduced capacity, streamlined processes) (31%) is helping them operate.

Another three in 10 foresee lasting changes in leadership being more flexible in accommodating employees’ schedules and needs (33%), a greater focus on training for current employees to be reskilled or upskilled (31%), a need to continually train employees on new technology updates (31%) and/or there will be fewer employee interactions in physical workplace(s) (31%).