Employers & Economic Slowdown: an Opportunity to Consolidate Careers? – Isarta News Marketing, Communications & HR Trends

With the economic slowdown, employers suddenly become more demanding in hiring and less patient with the learning curve of new recruits. However, if we look in the rearview mirror of the last economic slowdown, during the first months of the pandemic, let’s remember that such a situation can also bring opportunities. Testimony.

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the economy was first put on pause. There was a long period of uncertainty, where companies placed themselves in waiting mode. I then wondered if my clients would entrust me with fewer mandates. I would have been in trouble; at the time, I was relatively new to freelance journalism; I had 2-3 regular clients, which was far from filling my calendar. I was then working 3-4 days a week.

In the end, the opposite happened. I was ready and motivated to do more for them. I made regular follow-ups to remind them that I was available. Within a few months, these clients began entrusting me with more mandates. At the beginning of 2021, I could officially say that freelancing occupied me full-time. Pleasant surprise.

At first, I considered myself lucky to have work during this troubled period, without falling back professionally. Then one day, I understood something. Nothing scientific. It’s an intuition I’m sharing with you. In times of crisis, companies no longer want to take risks. They look around and rely on what is familiar, known and predictable to them. I’m not the only one saying this. This is the message delivered by work psychologist Francis Painchaud, in a recent article:

“In a changing world where difficult decisions must be made, people will seek to stay in the known – what was visible before – and what they can rely on – their credibility. So, by betting on my visibility and my credibility, I position myself favorably in a crisis context.”

Doing a little research on the Web, I discovered a 2014 study by Lazear, Shaw and Stanton, titled “Making Do With Less: Working Harder during Recessions.” The study highlights an increase in overall worker productivity during the Great Recession, attributable not to a change in workforce composition, but to increased effort from existing employees.

Staying in touch with partners

We’ve said it: a crisis is an opportunity to showcase your strengths. Then, you shouldn’t assume anything. No point in being defeatist, thinking that an employer or client doesn’t need our services. This is the time to follow up, ask questions, inquire about the needs of your clients or employer. In a recent interview about the tariff war, entrepreneurial coach Steve Trinque gave this valuable advice:

“In a period of uncertainty, nothing should be taken for granted. The first thing to do is talk to your clients, suppliers and employees by asking them: how are you experiencing this, how do you envision what’s next? By gathering everyone’s experiences, we can better prepare for all eventualities.”

I may be seeing the glass half full. At the very least, this is the perspective I propose to stay motivated to develop your area of expertise in a period that promises to be difficult from an economic standpoint.