A life changing moment brings new perspectives
I’d like to share some big non-recruitment news with you for a change. I’ve recently become a dad!
Yep, It’s been a life changing few weeks in the Kharitou household. As new parents, we’ve been enjoying spending time together as a brand new family unit as we get to know our little girl. We’re also getting used to new routines, new experiences and new priorities.
I’m not sure what I expected this process to feel like but it’s safe to say it’s already been a transformative experience for me.
Even though it’s only been a matter of weeks since she arrived, I’ve been able to reflect on aspects of my life through a completely different lens.
One thing I’ve been contemplating during late night feeds and nappy changes is how I prioritise my own life. It’s an obvious one when you’re thrust into caring for someone other than yourself, but it’s hard to anticipate how you’ll feel until it actually happens to you.
Shifting priorities
Change is inevitable, as they say. So, right now is an interesting time to be in the recruitment game. Thanks to the ongoing pandemic-related travel and work restrictions, the landscape is shifting quicker than I’ve ever seen in all my years in the industry. There are a few factors behind this.
Firstly, as recent industry reports have shown, the disruption has motivated an acceleration in the digitisation of operations. The knock on effect of this is being felt acutely by major consulting firms for example, with demand soaring for advisory services resulting in skilled recruits (i.e. Salesforce experts) becoming a rare commodity.
This is good news for job seekers, for the better part of two years now, talent has been in a position to call the shots for higher salaries and promotions.
Secondly, many are realising that a flexible workplace is more conducive with a balanced life. People have had a taste of what things could be like without the commute, the office politics and the pressure, and they’ve grown used to it.
Flexible workplaces are rising to the top
Before the pandemic, the general consensus was offices were conducive with productivity, culture, and winning the best talent.
A McKinsey report out of the US showed that 80% of survey respondents enjoyed working from home, and 41% they are more productive. Similarly, an Australian study had 25% of respondents preferring to work from home at least two days a week, while 75% want to work from home at least one day a week.
The shift in thinking around flexibility is huge, the magnetic poles are switching for employers, and the savvy ones will adapt if they want to stay at the top candidates’ lists.
Life doesn’t stop for anyone, careers included
Work/life. Family/friends. Rest/play.
We all strive for some semblance of balance and flexibility in our day to day lives.
From my point of view, I can really appreciate how priceless this time of bonding with a child is. It’s so important in establishing fundamental connections — emotional, physical and developmental. Even though I’ve had to keep one eye firmly on work, I’m so grateful to have been in a position to have enjoyed some cherished moments so early on.
Even after a few weeks of fatherhood I can clearly understand why flexibility is increasingly becoming a non-negotiable in contract negotiations. It’s not just about family time either, we all lead different lives, strive towards different goals, and enjoy different pursuits.
Of course, career ambition still is, and will always be important, but there’s nothing wrong with reassessing priorities. As we shift towards working from home and the lines between our private and professional lives continue to blur, I really believe it’s worth taking stock and weighing up what’s important, for both candidates and employers alike.
~ Garth Kharitou
