The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive upheaval in the way we work, and that goes for recruiters. Remote work and video platforms reign supreme in this new working environment, and the same can be said about the unique types of staffing demands that have popped up.
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Certain industries are experiencing increased workforce needs, according to new Adecco USA research. Adecco is noticing a shift in the types of skills and roles demanded by employers across the medical and science fields.
“Hundreds of job opportunities are arising as organizations all over the nation work hard to protect their people and clear a path for the new normal,” says Jason Guggisberg, Vice President, head of medical and science, Adecco USA. “Medical and science roles have long been in high demand, and now that need is not only increasing but extremely urgent.”
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With more than 30 years of medical and science staffing experience, Adecco has identified six trending roles that are expected to continue to be in high demand this year. These opportunities include:
- Lab processors and lab technicians—Many medical testing labs are experiencing an influx of requests, creating a range of opportunities for experienced lab processors and technicians, especially at sites offering COVID-19 and related antibodies testing.
- Contact tracers—As COVID-19 testing increases and more positive cases arise, contact tracers are needed to contact potentially affected individuals and let them know they were in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
- Health screeners—Essential businesses continue to exercise every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and keep their workforces safe, and as such, many have opted to conduct start-of-shift health screenings, including temperature checks for workers. In a range of workplace settings, there is a growing need for candidates to check and record worker diagnostic signs.
- Medical assistants and floor monitors—As many communities rally to provide social services for disadvantaged members during this challenging time, more spaces are being transformed to serve as shelters and alternative clinics. To ensure safety and adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, there is a need for candidates to serve as medical assistants and floor monitors. These opportunities are ideal for candidates, including retired police officers, firefighters, security officers, veterans, and medical assistants.
- Pharmacy technicians—To support pharmacists as they continue to serve patients, there is a growing need for pharmacy technicians in both retail pharmacy settings as well as in pill packing roles in large distribution centers.
- Nurses—Nurses and medical professionals were in high demand long before the pandemic, and when the pandemic arose, many existing healthcare workers quickly turned their attention to caring for COVID-19 patients. Now there is a need for additional support to care for patients with other ailments. Adecco has seen a rapid increase in demand for nurses and other medical professionals, including certified nurse assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and medical assistants to help provide additional support to this essential workforce.
“We don’t anticipate that these hiring trends will slow down anytime soon,” added Guggisberg. “It will take a humanitarian effort, but together we will continue to push through this crisis and adapt to a new way of working.”