Work in Demand: Industries that are Hiring Now

As demand peaks, businesses are adding capacity to help in the fight against COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 has transformed the workforce overnight. Many industries have been hit hard as demand dries up for travel and hospitality, while the supply can’t keep up with the need in industries like household goods and medical supplies. While economists expect the changes to be temporary the need right now is immediate for certain industries.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, ManpowerGroup North America President Becky Frankiewicz said the workforce shifts were shaping up to be the most dramatic the company has seen since its founding 72 years ago.

“Tens of thousands of jobs open up overnight,” she said.

Companies are also shifting workers from industries like hospitality to industries in need, such as distilleries ramping up production of hand sanitizer. Here are areas that are hiring or are in demand.

Warehouse and delivery

As consumers stay at home and order online, Amazon announced that they will hire 100,000 new warehouse and delivery workers to meet increased demands for shipments. It will also increase the hourly pay of workers employed in these positions by an additional $2 in the United States through April. “We are seeing a significant increase in demand, which means our labor needs are unprecedented for this time of year,” Dave Clark, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations, said in a blog post.

Grocery and food stores

While Governers lock down states and issue stay at home orders, grocery store employees have been deemed, essential workers. Grocery chains (including Safeway, Albertsons and Kroger) are also hiring, looking for cashiers, stockers, delivery drivers and more.

Mental health professionals

The sudden changes in the world are leaving everyone in shock and grief. The chronic stress of facing uncertainty day after day is taking a mental toll. Processing what this all means will take professional help, and mental health professionals right now are making the most of a recent loosening of policies allowing them to practice online.

Medical equipment providers

There is and will be a dire need for hospital and protective equipment to care for the wave of infected patients, and many industries are adding capacity or pivoting to provide much-needed relief. Companies like Dyson, automakers and GE Healthcare are pledging to help, shifting production to ventilators, adding shifts around the clock and are hiring now. It also is hiring additional employees and moving current employees to increase production. Potentially, companies can add shifts to double or triple existing production.

Without a doubt, the longer the effects of COVID-19 spreads, the more it will transform and affect different industries. Right now, some will be able to pitch in right away and use their skills to help, including health care workers on the front lines. For others, that will mean contributing however they can. Remember the basics: Volunteer, mentor, and support others in whatever role you have.

Communications Team
The communications team at ManpowerGroup publishes incisive blogs, articles, and white papers that are deeply rooted in the developments of the world of work. If there is a topic you would want us to address, please contact us at [email protected].
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