How has COVID-19 changed the way we work?

New SEEK employment data shows a direct correlation between restrictions easing and job ad volume growth

BY HRD 20 Jun 2020

With the lifting of restrictions there has been an increase in job advertising of 133.9% in the fortnight ended 14 June, compared to the average of the month of April, according to Janet Faulding, General Manager SEEK NZ.

Indeed, new SEEK employment data shows a direct correlation between restrictions easing and job ad volume growth.

“While we don’t expect to see a return of pre-COVID volumes of jobs advertised for some time yet, early numbers indicate positive signs for New Zealand’s employment market,” said Faulding.

“Large hiring industries such as Trades & Services, Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics and Healthcare & Medical made strong contributions to job ad growth in the last fortnight.”

Faulding expects to see more opportunities for jobseekers in the coming weeks as businesses look to recommence their operations quickly.

“There are also some promising signs in the regions, with the majority showing an increase in job ad volumes compared to April. Canterbury (125.7%), Auckland (118.9%) and Wellington (112.2%) showed positive job ad volume growth in the last two weeks.”

How has COVID-19 changed the way we work?
SEEK conducts surveys with Kiwis currently employed and those looking for work to understand their position on work and career related subjects.

Optimism for future employment / job prospects has notably declined over the past few months from 72% in February to 62% in May.
People’s sense of job security remains consistent with a small drop since February (71%) and stabilizing at 66% in April and May
The number of people that have reported that their working life is very different compared to pre-COVID has dropped from 50% in April to 34% in May
The number of Kiwis that have seen a return to a normal working life, or told us that the COVID situation did not impact their working lives at all, has increased from 15% in April to 22% in May
2 in 5 Kiwis are still working from home and more than 1 in 10 have been asked to take annual leave over this period

Where are the jobs?
Trades & Services: roles such as Building Trades, Labourers, Automotive Trades, Electricians and Hair & Beauty Services

Information & Communication Technology: Developers/ Programmers, Business/ Systems Analysts, Software Engineering, Help Desk & IT Support and Project Management

Healthcare & Medical: Psychology, Counselling & Social Work and Nursing (Aged Care and General Medical)

Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics: Warehousing, Storage & Distribution, Machine Operators and Assembly & Process Work

Construction: Project Management, Foreperson/ Supervisors, Plant & Machinery Operators and Surveying