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Read about our latest research, including results from our ongoing surveys of senior managers and workers, and company announcements.

Survey: More Than Half Of Companies Hired New Staff Remotely During The Pandemic
Of Those, 6 in 10 Expanded Their Search Geographically to Reach More Candidates

MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- COVID-19 changed everything, including how companies recruit talent, new research from global staffing firm Robert Half shows. According to a survey of more than 2,800 senior managers in the U.S., 53% said their organization has hired full-time or temporary staff remotely since the pandemic began. Those respondents were asked about their company's recruiting practices throughout the COVID-19 crisis:

 

Practice in
Place
Before
Pandemic

Practice
Implemented
Since
Pandemic
Started

75%

Conducted remote interviews and
onboarding sessions

12%

63%

61%

Advertised fully remote jobs

12%

49%

60%

Expanded their search geographically to
access a wider candidate pool

16%

44%

60%

Shortened the hiring process

12%

48%

57%

Increased the use of temporary
professionals

14%

43%

 

*Multiple responses were permitted.

 

View an infographic of the research highlights.

"Despite an overall slowdown in business, companies continue to hire for critical roles during the pandemic," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. "In many cases, employers have adjusted their recruiting strategies to accommodate new, virtual work realities and are seeing immediate benefits, including faster and more successful hires."

Additional Findings Among the 28 U.S. Cities in the Survey:

  • Detroit (78%), Los Angeles and Pittsburgh (69% each) have the highest percentages of employers who expanded their candidate search geographically.
  • Indianapolis, Phoenix (75% each) and Atlanta (72%) have the highest percentages of companies that advertised fully remote jobs since the start of the pandemic.
  • Managers in Minneapolis (71%), Cleveland and Houston (70% each) most commonly reported shortening their hiring process.

"The rise of remote work has provided employers an opportunity to access a much deeper candidate pool," McDonald added. "As organizations try to position themselves for growth in the months ahead, competition for talent will only intensify. The ability to hire people anywhere will be particularly helpful when staffing in-demand roles."

About the Research
The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from July 10 to August 9, 2020. It includes responses from more than 2,800 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in 28 major U.S. cities.

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company has more than 300 staffing locations worldwide and offers hiring and job search services at roberthalf.com. For additional management and career advice, visit the Robert Half blog at roberthalf.com/blog.

SOURCE Robert Half

For further information: Jennifer Popovic, (650) 234-6033, jennifer.popovic@roberthalf.com