OVER 40% OF IRISH EMPLOYEES HAVE OUTGROWN CURRENT JOB

There appears to be widespread dissatisfaction bubbling under the surface for many employees across the country. A year on from the beginning of what can only be described as a life-changing crisis for many, the recruitment industry is seeing trends that did not exist a mere 12 months ago.

Most industries have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in some way. Remote working is no longer something we are adjusting to, but something that has become second nature.

Many have had a rethink on their priorities and many more are rethinking their career choices with research from Matrix Recruitment showing 43% of us are not happy in our jobs.

Kieran McKeown, managing director of Matrix Recruitment says the company has seen a major shift in candidates’ requirements when it comes to selecting a role, with a greater emphasis than ever on lifestyle over work. The company has also seen many permanent roles disappear that are instead being replaced by temporary or contract roles.

“This time last year, hiring came to a standstill. This applied to both permanent and contract roles when business priorities were completely shaken up. As the months went by, operational demands changed for many companies and with that, came new challenges and a requirement for employees with new or different skill sets in Ireland. The permanent roles were suddenly off the books for many, and in came a growing demand for the temporary workforce.”

Temporary and contract workers remain in high demand today, with no sign of any change in sight. Contract roles offer benefits that many permanent posts do not, including more flexibility, high daily or hourly rates, and can be an ideal foot in the door allowing people to try out another industry without committing permanently.

The company has reported that its permanent roles for the year 2020-2021 fell by 41% on the previous year. Contract roles fell by just 10%, which according to Kieran is minute given the complete standstill the world came to for several months.

“It shows just how many permanent roles evolved into contract positions and therefore kept the workforce going in some way.”