The 2022 ‘hiring crisis’ 🤯 🚧

Posted

September 26, 2022

07:41 AM

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What do companies struggling to hire and a governments pledge to get more people cycling have in common? They don’t do anything about the barriers! For the first time since records began this year there have been more vacancies than people out of work - it was reported.

According to another report, 76% of companies are struggling to hire new staff. If you’re looking for a job right now, you’re probably scratching your head wondering why you’re having a hard time finding a job that’s remote if there is such a hiring crisis. Perhaps you’ve considered forgetting about your dream of working remotely, instead settling for a job in an office so you can get a job easier?

You DON’T need to lower your expectations.

What DOES need to change is this draconian and outdated opinion that people need to be in an office to be productive. Especially those companies in certain countries that had extremely restrictive rules in place during lockdown to ‘protect’ people, yet now insist on getting on a packed commuter train/bus and sitting in an air conditioned office with a bunch of people.

Tell me how that makes sense?

77% of those who work remotely at least a few times per month show increased productivity, with 30% doing more work in less time and 24% doing more work in the same period of time according to a survey by ConnectSolutions. So why the hell are companies STILL insisting on people working in the office, when the job can be done remotely?

‘Tax and legal reasons’? Nope- companies like Deel and Oyster.

‘Company culture’? Give me a break.

Nope, it comes down to two things (IMHO)...ego and fear (lack of trust).

I mean come on, how else will these big wig bosses get to show off how awesome they are if they don't have an office full of employees to prove that they run a successful business? Also- how will they know if you’re working hard enough if they can’t see you from their glass office?

Even if you’re a totally clueless CEO/ HR Manager- one quick google search give you countless stats on the benefits of flexible and remote working and trusting your employees- to attract staff AND keep them. Two problems solved. The fact that they say “we struggle to hire” and then insist on forcing people into the office really perplexes me.

As a cyclist it reminds me of the UK government's pledge in 2017 to have “cycling and walking to become the norm by 2040” with a £1.2 billion long term plan. So they wanted to get more people cycling, yet they have cycle lanes like the one below. Hmmmmm- seems like a bit of a barrier to me…sound familiar?

If you want a giggle take a look at the top 10 worst cycle lanes here.

So if you want to know how to deal with the companies demands for forced office time? Say no to them and politely inform them of your reason and stick to your guns. I’m not saying it's easy, especially if you’re out of work- but if we collectively say no to these organisations, they won’t be able to hire and they’ll soon re-think their policy. If working remotely is genuinely important to your happiness and wellbeing, even if that's just a few days a week, you are doing yourself a disservice by dropping the requirement.

You are NOT being ‘too picky’, you are NOT ‘asking for too much’, you are simply making a choice for yourself and your physical and mental health.

Stick to your guns and join the Remote Rebellion!

OK, angry typing over…