Despite Covid-19, Plans for Changing Jobs Remains High

According to the 2020 Candidate Sentiment Study of 711 professionals by the American Staffing Association,  eight in 10 job candidates (80%), both active and passive seekers, foresee working for a new company in the next 12 months even though 57% of job candidates stated that they are satisfied with their current employment situation. Seven in 10 (70%) are optimistic about the future of their careers.

Perceptions have changed regarding preferred work arrangements since the onset of the pandemic. Seven in 10 candidates (69%) find working remotely more desirable than at an office or other onsite location. While 60% still find permanent jobs more desirable than other types of employment arrangements, more than 40% prefer work as an independent contractor and nearly a third (32%) are more open to working as a temporary employee through a staffing agency.

“To navigate the new world of work spurred by Covid-19, employers must be more attune to job candidate perceptions, needs, and priorities to effectively and strategically recruit and retain them,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research.