The desire for work/life balance is not new. Americans became enamored with busyness as a sign of productivity and excellence when the opposite is true. The United States became the most overworked developed nation in the world and it took a global pandemic to open our eyes.
Rebalancing our lives into a “work to live” vs “live to work” makes sense. Healthy, rested, happy employees are productive employees. Productive employees are, well, productive so companies benefit and all boats rise. People realize that it wasn’t CEOs, VPs and large corporations that kept the boats afloat, it was essential workers: grocers, waste collectors, delivery services, etc. and workers didn’t have to be on-site to continue to be essential.
Many people chose simply to leave the workforce and others to make a change after a lay-off or a desire for better balance. As companies wrangle with the challenges of a new workforce, it is important for candidates seeking to make a change to remember proper etiquette when interviewing:
- If you make an appointment for an interview with a recruiter or a company – keep it. If you can’t or have changed your mind, notify the other party.
- Dress appropriately whether an in-person or video interview. You may have the opportunity to work from home – but you aren’t there yet. Professionalism is still required.
- Send a thank you note after the interview. This demonstrates courtesy and appreciation for the opportunity to be considered.
Likewise, companies should be cognizant of the current marketplace and be in a “sell” mode to attract the talent they desire. Candidates are exploring many options so companies need to:
- Move candidates through the hiring process expeditiously. A sloppy or delayed process will cost you top talent.
- Remain flexible – you want talent and results – not time and location. Begin with the end in mind.
- Remember – working long hours and productivity are not the same.
- Discuss what your company can do for the applicant – not just what you want the applicant to do for the company. Employer/employee relationships should be collaborative and mutually beneficial.
2022 offers the opportunity to create a healthier relationship between employer and employee. Successful companies and candidates will seize that opportunity.
