COVID vs Recruitment; the past, present, and future
As a recruiter at heart, I thrive on speaking with and helping others. During lockdown, these opportunities were taken away, leaving an undeniable void. Thankfully, being unfurloughed over the past three days has brought these elements back into my life—and it feels great.
The Focus
Uncertainty is the hardest part. My focus since returning has been clear:
- Gather detailed insights about recruitment in the consultancy industry.
- Tailor this focus toward permanent Quantity Surveying roles.
The aim? To understand how the industry is adapting and what the future holds for vacancies and hiring trends.
The Past: How It Began
On March 23, 2020, the UK entered full-scale lockdown. Quantity Surveying consultancies, like other industries, made tough decisions to ensure survival—furloughing staff, implementing cost reductions, or, in some cases, redundancies.
Despite the silence that followed in the recruitment world, it’s important to acknowledge:
- Forecasts for 2020 were strong. Many consultancies had plans for growth before the pandemic.
- Leaders made sacrifices. Numerous directors took pay cuts to protect their teams from financial strain or layoffs.
However, the pandemic placed a spotlight on recruitment—an industry that itself combats unemployment—and demonstrated the resilience needed to adapt.
The Present: Signs of Recovery
By late summer, vacancies began to trickle back. Consultancies started hiring again, driven by:
- New project inquiries.
- A proactive mindset.
One director shared that their company brought on two new hires during lockdown, with plans for a third, thanks to a surge in demand.
A Strategic Choice
Companies now face a choice:
- Wait for competition to increase once the market improves, or
- Act now to secure top talent while competition remains limited.
Encouragingly, directors have emphasized their commitment to hiring graduates, ensuring long-term investment in the profession despite current challenges.
Hard Work in Challenging Times
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilience and hard work. Here are two examples of firms that thrived through determination:
- From Survival to Growth:
A consultancy that initially faced uncertainty turned things around by reaching out to every client and contact in their network. This proactive approach brought in new work and even allowed them to hire during lockdown. - Achieving Record Projects:
A small practice in Central London secured its biggest project to date, simply by maintaining high standards and dedication.
Both examples prove that consistent effort, even in tough times, can yield incredible results.
WFH vs. The Office
The pandemic has reshaped the way we work. Here’s the current sentiment on work-from-home (WFH):
- Flexibility reigns. Many companies are adopting hybrid models, with the office available as needed.
- Virtual tools have stepped up. Zoom and Teams are now indispensable, even for training junior staff. One director described how these tools allowed for contract document reviews with a graduate, simulating in-person mentoring.
The Future: Remaining Realistic
While recent conversations have been positive, the industry still faces challenges. Recruitment isn’t back to full strength, and many consultancies are waiting for green lights from clients. Clients, in turn, are seeking confidence from the Government.
The Domino Effect
A single breakthrough—whether a bid approval or policy shift—could spark a cascade of activity, driving growth and hiring across the board.
Until then, communication and collaboration remain key. By staying connected and proactive, we can navigate this uncertainty and position ourselves for recovery.
Final Thoughts
The past few months have been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and hard work. While challenges remain, the positive signs emerging from our industry offer hope for a brighter future. Let’s continue to support one another and keep the momentum going.
