Unless you are in an essential services role, it is not possible to say anyone’s job is safe during this time.
We are seeing employers doing everything they can to keep operations going and keep their employees, but there are factors outside of their control.
If you are concerned, here are some things you can do:
Talk to your employer or immediate supervisor about your concerns. This is not the time to be reluctant to raise difficult topics.
Encourage your employer to be direct and upfront about the health of the business. If there is a risk of job losses, it is better you know now so you can prepare.
If the organisation you work for is struggling, maybe there are solutions employers and staff can work out together such as applying for JobKeeper payments, temporarily reducing hours to maintain jobs in the long term or finding new ways of doing business.
Check the health of your networks on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook etc…
Is your profile up to date and appealing to employers?
Are you connected to the right networks such as employers you are interested in, industry associations and topics related to your line of work?
Set aside a little time each day to participate in those networks, such as posting interesting stories you find or asking thought-provoking questions of other network members
See who other members are connected with. You might know someone who knows someone
Make a shortlist of organisations you would like to work for. Take more time to get to know them by exploring their website and their industry. Check out their annual report or strategic plan, if they have one; this is where you can find out about their goals and what matters to them.
Upskill. Build on your existing skills or develop new ones. There are currently a high number of affordable training and education options:
Educational institutions, such as TAFE NSW https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses are offering free online education and training courses for those staying at home who would like to develop their skills or learn something new.
Some universities are offering discounted courses to offset loss of income through a decrease in international students and help relieve skill shortages such as nursing, teaching, counselling, IT and science.
Volunteer. This might sound crazy when you need paid work but having a purpose can be just as important to your mental health and wellbeing, plus it shows employers you have a can-do attitude. Consider:
doing grocery shopping for elderly neighbours
contacting local charities to see if they need help
unpaid work in industries you want to work in
Taking advantage of quiet roads in Byron
From the now-very-mobile ‘desk’ of Tom Donohoe, Regional Manager – Northern
Tom reports that it’s a strange feeling to drive down the main street of Byron right now.
Normally a bustling and vibrant melting pot of tourists and locals, the main street is flanked by the closed doors of businesses forced to shut down and previously-packed beaches are empty except for locals exercising.
“I keep expecting to see tumble weeds rolling around”, Tom says. “But we’re safe and I am so proud of my community for accepting that we can’t operate as normal and doing what has to be done to protect what makes the north coast special.
“Nevertheless, behind the quiet, there is still work happening.
“Infrastructure work, that was happening before COVID, is still going on. In particular, the local council is taking advantage of reduced traffic to target hot spots which need fixing, so there is a lot of road works happening.
“Spinifex provides traffic management services up here in the northern region of NSW and I’m seeing hours go up for our contractors, which is good for them.
“I hear from clients all the time about how they are adapting. I’m also seeing lots of a positive attitudes and good natured acceptance. But, you know, that’s typical for this region.
“The thing is we’re all being pushed out of our comfort zone and learning new ways of doing things. Something I never thought I’d be comfortable with is working away from my desk. Now I find myself pulling out the laptop and getting work done, wherever I am.
“I’m seeing mental leaps like that happening everywhere. It will be interesting to see which of these changes continue on past the COVID-19 restrictions.”
Commemorate Anzac Day, and stay safe
Only a few days to go until Anzac Day on Saturday 25th April. The RSL reminds us that we can still pay tribute to Australian servicemen and women and stay safe. Read more from the RSL NSW here https://www.rslnsw.org.au/anzac-spirit/ and pledge to participate here https://rslqld.org/ANZACspirit
Next update we’ll take a look at new skills in demand and what the job market could look like on the other side of COVID-19 restrictions.
Until then, whether you’re an employer, contractor or job seeker, we’re here for you and doing everything we can to help you find staff or work opportunities.
