Assessing mental health these days is important. The stress of finding a job, the frustration of getting rejected, and the fear of getting infected with the virus can become too much. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, among age groups in the country, young people (aged 18 – 24) are “more likely to experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.” This can be rooted from different reasons but the biggest circumstances we’re all facing right now are around the pandemic.

To battle mental health issues during the pandemic, the Federal and State Governments are coming up with health guidelines and programs for everyone. In New South Wales, the Mental Health Commission released a support guideline with a list of organisations and groups providing mental health services. You can access the report by clicking here. Most of the providers on the list are servicing people digitally to minimise the contagion.

Upskill and Reorient Yourself

There are some positive outcomes from the pandemic. One being that jobseekers have the chance to upskill themselves and to refocus the trajectory of their career. One reality we saw and continue seeing in this pandemic is that technology will play a big part in the future of work.

Several organisations are investing heavily and strategically in tech. Jobseekers now have the opportunity to learn new skills with technology as the enabler. Despite that, it is important to know that tech will not replace human effort. It is ideal to capitalise on this opportunity of having focused time.

This is more than just making the best out of it. Advanced technology will influence the globalisation work in the future and that is why professionals, employed and unemployed should prioritise connected learning.

Fear, Frustration and Anxiety are Normal

If you are feeling scared, frustrated and anxious in the present and of the future, you are not alone. It is normal to feel these things. Many people around you fully understand what you are going through. Losing a job is not easy for anyone. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate rose from 7.1 per cent to 7.4 per cent in June.

Finances and health are the biggest concerns not only for people who lost their jobs, but for everyone. Many households here in Australia rely on monthly salaries. That is why jobseekers need to know that it is ok to be scared and frustrated. There are small but significant improvements in employment. According to the same report by ABS, employment increased by 210,800 people being hired between May and June.

HR’s Role

HR and talent acquisition teams must now provide more value in the recruitment and onboarding stages. A focal point in the recruitment process is providing TIMELY and VALUABLE feedback. COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT.

If there is something jobseekers hate more than not getting a job, it’s not getting any feedback or updates at all. It results in a frustrating experience that leaves a bad taste among jobseekers. They deserve to get value when they get the job as well as when they don’t get the job. Establish a communication channel via email, phone calls or any online messaging platforms.

HR is at the forefront of establishing a more progressive recruitment process for candidates. Here at Quay Appointments, we identify with the value and importance of progress for jobseekers. Our intention is to respond to all job applicants in a timely manner with an update of what stage their job application is at. We welcome open conversations with all applicants, even if they are not successful on progressing to the next stage, at least we can share some specific feedback and updates on the jobs market.