As COVID-19 continues to impact the way people live and work around the world, not only businesses but individuals themselves are undergoing a transformation, says recruiting experts Hays.

While organisations in Hong Kong continue to brave against the hurdles presented by COVID-19, successful containment efforts have resulted in most businesses operating at full capacity.

The ongoing remote working revolution is not only changing the way organisations function, but also the way they hire. Many organisations in Hong Kong are now interviewing remotely, which has led to faster and more efficient hiring processes.

The COVID-19 crisis has ushered in a new era in the world of work that is impacting both jobseekers and hiring organisations.

The events of 2020 have directly impacted the permanent hiring market in Hong Kong as businesses revaluate their financial resources and focus on curbing their spend.

While most organisations in Hong Kong have returned to work, continued disruptions and the ongoing pandemic has led to a sustained need and demand for remote working options amongst staff. To effectively manage this while maintaining productivity, many organisations are now adopting hybrid working models – where the workforce is split between those in the office and those working remotely.

Strategy and management are essential to leading a company through crisis; but at the heart of any organisation is its people, and organisations around the world have been celebrating the pivotal role that employees have played in tiding their company through unprecedented challenges.

The global COVID-19 crisis has already transformed the world of work, with much of its impact still unfolding. As the situation continues to develop and the road to recovery is expected to be a long one, business leaders and professionals must adapt and be agile to the challenges that are presented to them on a daily basis, with valuable lessons to be learned along the way.

Keeping the workforce productive and engaged so an organisation emerges from the current crisis in the best possible position is a key priority for business leaders today. According to Hays CEO Alistair Cox, who recently shared his advice on the topic, there are eight key steps employers can take to guide staff through the current period of uncertainty and establish new, productive ways of working to deliver value to their customers.

While Hong Kong’s response to the COVID-19 crisis has been applauded around the world, increased flexible working and lingering uncertainty has led to staff who can work from home to continue to do so.