The COVID-19 pandemic might have passed away, but it left us with several effects that have now become more or less a part of our day-to-day lives. Work from home(WFH) is probably one of the most important things that emerged from the pandemic. In fact, the effect of WFH has been so strong that a lot of companies have had to resort to serious measures to get employees back into the offices.
However, it has had limited success. The reason for this has been simple: the Covid-19 pandemic saw lots of people lose their jobs, and with the number of deaths, people started to realize the importance of other factors such as work-life balance, flexible working hours that allowed them more time to speed on their life outside of Work.
This article discusses how part-time work opportunities and work-from-home jobs are transforming the hiring landscape and how they are changing the way employers recruit part-time workers and employees who work from home. We will also examine the role of online collaboration tools, virtual interviews, and employee onboarding in enabling companies to attract and retain top talent from all over the world. Additionally, we will discuss some of the best practices for hiring in the digital age, including how to leverage digital communication tools and mitigate bias in the hiring process.
The rise of part-time work opportunities
The usual 9-to-5 work schedule is gradually becoming obsolete as more and more businesses adopt flexible work arrangements. Part-time work is one such option that is gaining popularity among both businesses and individuals. Part-time employment has various advantages, including cheaper overhead expenses for employers and more free time for individuals to pursue other hobbies.
Working part-time can also help job seekers build experience and eventually obtain full-time work. Plenty of companies provide part-time jobs that can lead to full-time positions. This allows both employers and job seekers to test the waters before deciding on a full-time position.
Examples of companies that offer part-time jobs include Starbucks, UPS, and Amazon. Starbucks, for example, offers part-time positions with perks such as tuition reimbursement, stock options, and health insurance. UPS also offers part-time jobs with opportunities for advancement and flexible schedules. Conversely, Amazon offers part-time jobs for various roles such as customer service associates and warehouse associates.
The Work-From-Home revolution
The Work from Home revolution initially began as an emergency measure and, within a year, transformed itself into a revolution. Statistics show that in 2020, only five percent of workers in the United States worked from home. However, that figure rose to a staggering 40 per cent by the next year.
In fact, the reception to the concept was so positive that even today, 87 percent of workers prefer to work from home or remotely from time to time. Another report from the Pew Research Center found that 35 per cent of the workers who could work from home were doing so.
Companies such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com offer platforms where freelancers can connect with potential clients and offer their services. These platforms also offer a range of collaboration tools, such as messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing.
One main criticism of work-from-home and remote work is that employees cannot replicate the actual working conditions if they are not in the office. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has proved that it depends on the employee and not the system.
In fact, technology has evolved so much that now, working from home or remotely can generate the same efficiency as Working from the office. This has evolved the world of hiring as the work from home option has now become an important factor for employees when considering a job offer.
The role of technology in interviews
The rise of telecommuting and the gig economy has also changed the way companies recruit and hire new employees. Technology is playing an important role in this transformation, with many companies using AI-powered recruiting tools to streamline the hiring process.
One such tool is skills assessment software, which can help employers evaluate an applicant’s skills and knowledge before an interview. Skills assessment software can help reduce bias in the hiring process and ensure that only the most qualified candidates are invited to interview.
Companies are increasingly embracing video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to conduct virtual interviews. Virtual interviews offer several benefits, including reduced travel costs and more flexibility in scheduling.
However, when these tools are being used for interviews (extensively!), it becomes a makeshift arrangement with tools that are not built for the intended purpose.
How do we solve this technology gap in interviews? Interview technology is the answer. No need to reinvent the wheel with new video meeting software or recruitment stacks, instead add intelligence to your interviews.
Read more about how to implement interview intelligence.
Best practices for hiring in the digital age
Talent acquisition strategies have had to adapt to the changing landscape of remote work and flexible work arrangements. Here are some best practices for hiring in the digital age:
- Use digital communication tools to stay in touch with candidates throughout the hiring process.
- Leverage online collaboration tools to facilitate teamwork and communication among remote employees.
- Be mindful of potential bias in the hiring process, especially when using AI-powered recruiting tools.
- Develop a comprehensive onboarding program that takes into account the unique challenges of remote work.
You can read more about How to use AI to Enhance Your Hiring Process
Conclusion
The recruiting market has shifted dramatically in recent years, as employers have increasingly embraced remote labor and the gig economy. The remote hiring process, virtual interviews, and skill assessment tools have made it easier than ever for companies to source and hire talent from all over the world. These shifts towards flexible work arrangements have also given rise to a new wave of part-time work opportunities and work-from-home jobs. Allowing individuals to take control of their work-life balance and pursue more fulfilling careers.
The gig economy and freelancing opportunities have increased the number of professionals who work for themselves rather than as employees. This has led to an increased demand for online collaboration tools and digital communication platforms to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between teams.
However, with the rise of remote work, employee onboarding has become more challenging. Companies are now finding ways to onboard employees remotely, providing the necessary training and support to ensure their success.
This is where we present to you BarRaiser, a state-of-the-art AI-based interview assistant that will take the quality of your hiring to the next level. With BarRaiser, recruiters can create a detailed interview plan for candidates. The interviewer can give specific instructions to our AI bot to create an interview, such as:
- The questions for the interview
- The number of rounds for the interview
- The duration of the interview and its specific sub-parts
- The number of parts that the interview must be divided into and their durations
- Must have questions
- The number of experience required for the job posting
- Must have skills
- Additional Skills
Using these instructions, our tool will create a structured interview format to ensure an unbiased candidate selection process.
After this, our AI Interview Copilot assists the interviewer by giving them specific instructions. For example, if the interview exceeds the time limit, the AI bot will send an alert to the recruiter to speed up the process. In addition, we are also committed to making our process as unbiased as possible. This is why our AI transcribes and records every interview and immediately raises an alert if the recruiter uses language that might be considered discriminatory to the candidate.
After the interview, the AI asks for a detailed review of the candidate from the interviewer. We believe that our tool is an assistant and not the decision maker, so it formulates answers only after receiving instructions from the interviewer. While this is happening, the AI is also creating another report that measures the recruiter’s effectiveness and performance. This report acts as a check and balance to ensure accountability for every stakeholder involved in the recruitment process.
Using BarRaiser, we guarantee quality hiring that will bolster diversity and inclusion. BarRaiser is the best AI interview platform that features structured interviews and tools to ensure quality hiring while eliminating recruitment bias. With BarRaiser’s support, you’ll be well-equipped to build a strong team of sales associates who will drive sales and deliver exceptional customer service.
People also ask
- What are the benefits and challenges of working from home?
Benefits of working from home:
- Flexibility in work schedule and location.
- Increased productivity due to reduced distractions and time saved from commuting.
- Cost savings on transportation, meals, and work attire.
- Improved work-life balance and reduced stress.
- More time available for personal pursuits.
Challenges of working from home:
- Difficulty in separating work and personal life.
- Limited social interaction and potential feelings of isolation.
- Distractions from home life, such as family members, pets, and household chores.
- Difficulty in staying motivated and maintaining a routine.
- Dependence on technology and potential issues with internet connectivity or equipment.