In this article we discuss how candidates who are expecting to be part of the great resignation and their future employers can prepare for a time of employee churn. An upheaval is coming, and this is how to get ready!
In the wake of the pandemic, many industry experts are predicting that we are going to witness the “great resignation” here in Australia in 2022. Employees are reassessing where they work, how they work and what they contribute to. Many have enjoyed the flexibility of remote working and the lifestyle benefits it offers. Many will just be looking for a change after the long years of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.
In fact, this article suggests that between 42-50% of employees are likely to be on the look out for a new role next year. Whilst it is not isolated to the legal industry, we are already hearing whispers from many talented lawyers that they will be putting themselves on the market next year.
In 2022, some employees will leave roles and bosses that had unrealistic expectations relating to billable hours or were unsupportive during the worst of the health and economic challenges of Covid-19. Some will leave looking for better career development opportunities, promotional prospects, or more suitable company culture. Some will leave for lifestyle reasons such as flexibility, a reduced commute, or a change of geographical scene.
At Legal People we saw this on a smaller scale at the beginning of 2021 when many lawyers took the opportunity to move from private practice into the government sector. Candidates had realised that the legal market was resilient and buoyant despite the pandemic and lockdowns. They realised that career opportunities could continue to be pursued. Demand has continued to be strong in many areas of law including commercial and property as well as family law, employment law and general commercial litigation.
In this second half of 2021, lockdown fatigue has been a factor with candidates lacking the energy or emotional capacity to deal with serious job hunting. Hiring managers and recruiters have found it quite challenging to fill open positions. Amid lockdowns, remote learning, and government health orders it may have felt safer to stay put. These candidates are sitting tight in roles now, but we are expecting to see this change substantially in the new year.
For Candidates
The window between then and now is the key for both employers and candidates to prepare for this phenomenon. Candidates can get themselves new-job-ready by sprucing up their LinkedIn profile, updating their CV and building a relationship with a specialist recruiter.
At Legal People we can help with career advice and market information. Our inside knowledge relating to employers of choice can help give candidates a competitive advantage. We can help them find the right role, culture, and firm for their individual requirements.
There is less competition for roles now as many potential candidates are waiting until the new year. By making your job search a priority in the short term, you will put yourself out in front of the competition. There are lots of available roles with employers of choice of all shapes and sizes, and all offering flexibility.
For Employers
Employers can be putting time and effort into their employee value proposition, ensuring that they have clear career pathways and development opportunities for their staff. They also need a clearly defined set of values that is appealing to young and more senior lawyers in a post-pandemic world.
Staff are unlikely to return to the office full time and are expecting flexibility and the opportunity for remote working to be built into employment contracts. We are already seeing this in candidates requesting 3 days in the office and 2 days from home being a permanent working arrangement.
The firms that invest in career development opportunities, training and strong communication will be seen at attractive to legal superstars. Firms can start doing the groundwork towards this now.
In 2022 legal employers will need to act even more quickly with offers and have streamlined recruitment processes to land the candidate of their choice. The best candidates are fielding multiple offers. Making use of our specialist recruitment services can help manage the process for both parties, particularly in relation to keeping the candidate informed and managing expectations.
It is an exciting time to be part of the Melbourne legal sector. Times of disruption, in our experience, have always been a time of innovation and great change. We are now seeing lawyers work in city roles from regional areas like Bendigo, Daylesford and the Mornington Peninsula and enjoying the lifestyle benefits they offer. We are seeing young lawyers ask more questions of prospective employers than ever before, making sure that what they stand for and how they add value to the world aligns with their personal values and expectations. We are seeing firms recruit in a more wholistic manner, recruiting the whole person for their life experience, transferrable skills and world outlook which will lead to better cultural fits and outcomes for all.
So, our advice to all…. Get prepared now. You don’t want to be left behind!
If you are looking for a new role in the Legal Industry in Melbourne, Australia, then get in touch with us. Legal People is the gateway to your next career move. We are specialists in the Legal Industry and recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals. If you enjoyed reading this article, you can follow our Company Page on LinkedIn for regular updates. To browse our currently available roles click here.
