The COVID-19 pandemic has been a crisis on a truly global scale. We want to explore the impact outside the UK to see if there are any lessons we can learn and/or opportunities for greater collaboration internationally, particularly with our European neighbours.
We were joined by Bettina Schaller, Director Group Public Affairs at Adecco Group and President of the World Employment Confederation Europe, and John Nurthen, Executive Director of Global Research, at Staffing Industry Analysts to discuss:
- The latest market intelligence including the economic and jobs market impact from international and European regions
- What recovery looks like for different sectors across the globe
- Examples of successful recruitment businesses that were founded at the height of a crisis
- Importance of well-regulated flexible working
- Predictions for what to expect in the coming months
- Sources of lessons and inspiration for recruitment businesses
Key quotes/takeaways:
“We came up with three different scenarios – first being a V shape recovery, then a U shape, and W shape.” John
“What we’re not expecting is that we get to the top of the ‘V’ anytime soon, so rather than a ‘U’ or a ‘V’, what we’re seeing is almost a ‘swoosh’ effect, and that’s going to be different from market to market depending on the strength of their economy. ” John
“We have to look back at history and take the learnings from that, and it’s clear. The 2008-2009 crisis is telling us a few things.” Bettina
“The need for well-regulated flexible forms of work is going to increase.” Bettina
“There is one sector that has really, over the years, not only built an expertise but that has built its entire business model on well-regulated flexibility and security, and those are private employment services companies.” Bettina
Speakers:
- Bettina Schaller, Global Head of Public Affairs at Adecco and President of the World Employment Confederation (WEC) Europe
- John Nurthen, Executive Director of Global Research, at Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA)
