After moments of uncertainty, anxieties and trying to understand what is happening in the world, we ask ourselves: what will be the impact of coronavirus on the Italian job market?
In other words: will I find a job in Italy during or even after the pandemic?
The first thing I would like to emphasize is that I don’t have a crystal ball, but I have studied the Italian job market for years and I always keep an eye on trends to always be efficient in my courses and consultancy.
In this article we will see:
- The negative impact of the pandemic
- The positive impact of the pandemic
- Tips for acting strategically during this period.
• Impact of coronavirus on the Italian job market
What will happen to the Italian market after the coronavirus? This is a question everyone is asking.
Before delving into the topic, it is important to understand what the trend was before the pandemic. We can say that in 2019 the unemployment rate fell and stood at 7.4% in December 2019; consequently, the number of employees increased by + 0.9% (+207 thousand in a year). These are the ISTAT.it data.
A positive scenario, even with modest growth. We can see the growth trend in the number of employees in the table below. The data are from ISTAT.
If we compare January 2019 with January 2020, we can say that the employment rate increased by 0.3% reaching 76% of workers (ISTAT, 20). We started the year well and the trend was positive.
I don’t know if you know it, but at the beginning of the year I wrote an article on:
- What are the trends for the job market in the 2020-2023 period?
- What are the most requested professions?
I recommend reading to understand the trends and be able to create your action plan in line with the market.
Click here to read the article: Job market in the years 2020-2023.
Impact of coronavirus on the Italian job market: negative points
Let’s face the situation 😉. Let’s start with the possible negative points. I must say that the impact of the coronavirus will not only affect Italy, but its effects will be felt all over the world.
Another aspect to consider is that the COVID-19 pandemic will not have an impact on all sectors equally. So much so that while some sectors have stopped during the lockdown in Italy, as well as the tourism sector, others have grown. Eg:
- Food industry,
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies,
- E-commerce and others.
After almost two months that Italy practically stopped, on May 18 we started to resume activities!
As you can imagine, this period had an important economic impact for companies, but the Italian government is studying and implementing measures for the recovery of the economy, providing economic support and incentives for companies, small entrepreneurs and families.
The sectors most affected by the pandemic in Italy are those of tourism and entertainment; and all others connected to them, such as airlines.
The sectors just mentioned will take a little longer to return to normal, perhaps many months.
Another factor that ends up negatively influencing a part of the population: schools will only open in September. You can imagine the impact of this measure on the family organization. To be more specific, in working mothers. On the other hand, the babysitter market is growing.
Although it is difficult to predict what will happen in the coming months, we can always pick up the signs to be able to interpret and prepare. So be careful!
Impact of coronavirus on the Italian job market: positive points
As my father used to say: there are bad things that come for the good! Knowing the Italian job market as I know it, I can say that the greatest impact of the coronavirus in Italy is on bureaucracy and this is very positive.
Italy is a very bureaucratic and traditional country, which ends up slowing down the processes. With the pandemic underway and the social distance, the only ally was technology, which has been underestimated by Italy in recent years.
Italy and the Italian job market often have “archaic” standards, but in a short time they must become “intelligent”. In fact, Italy was ready, but was also used to the old habits.
To be more concrete, the positive impacts on the job market will be:
A) Agility in processes, both in companies and in public administration:
- Home office – We have found the opportunity to work at home, thus increasing the quality of life and decreasing hours of traffic. Working mothers, who are the most disadvantaged in the Italian job market, can benefit from the Home Office.
- Reduction of bureaucracy – Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of companies and government bodies, making Italy more competitive.
B) Growth in the sectors of:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Sustainability, renewable energy
Source: CANDRIAM.
C) Strong desire to recover!
During the two months of quarantine, everything happened:
- I have seen Italian flags on windows, balconies and gardens.
- Phrases and drawings with “everything will be fine”.
- Hymn of Italy that played at 6 pm by all my neighbours.
However, we have the accumulated desire to take back our lives, but mainly we want to do it together, as a community.
We understood that if we want to grow and get out of a difficult situation, we must unite and help each other. A sense of community and a great desire to overcome the pandemic was created.
I am in contact with many people, mainly entrepreneurs. Everyone wants to go back to work, but that’s not all! They want to do better! They want to innovate!
Honestly, I think the impact of coronavirus is much more positive than negative. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have to be strategic!
Tips for acting strategically
It cannot be done otherwise, with coronavirus or without coronavirus, anyone who is more strategic will take the lead. You might think it’s bad or good, but the fact is that the job market is changing, and we need to understand everything that is going on to act strategically.
Today looking for a job is a job!
This is not only because of the impact of coronavirus on the Italian job market. It was already like this before!
I summarised what I write on my blog. We have to:
- Have a clear goal
- Execute an action plan
- Keep self-confidence (believe in your skills)
- Know how to look for a job and find hidden offers
- Understand and use job search tools: resume, letter of recommendation, LinkedIn, etc.
- Take care of your personal branding
- Manage the job interview.
There is no shortage of quality content that will guide you on how to act strategically 😉.
Information is your main weapon!
Stay informed, create an action plan and act strategically!
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If you are in quarantine, learn how to take care of your mind and stay active during this period, click here.
A big hug and see you next week,
Marcela Oliveira
