90% of Companies Transformed Operations and Staffing in Response to Pandemic

Most businesses are finding bright spots amid the gloom of the pandemic, new research from global staffing firm Robert Half shows. In a survey of more than 2,800 senior managers in the U.S., 9 in 10 respondents said their organization has improved operations or pursued new opportunities as a result of COVID-19. Those respondents were asked about actions their company has taken:*

39% Moved forward with digital transformation
37% Increased focus on data analytics
36% Redesigned job roles
34% Implemented or improved e-commerce functionality
32% Enhanced an existing service
30% Adopted a new business model
27% Launched a new product line or service

*Multiple responses were permitted.

“The pandemic has accelerated the need for companies to embrace innovation and emerging technologies in order to enhance service offerings and keep afloat,” said Jeff Weber, executive director of Robert Half Technology. “Business growth cannot happen without the right tools and people in place to identify and satisfy customers’ changing expectations.”

Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half, added, “Almost overnight, organizations became much more agile and efficient. As business priorities continue to evolve, employers will seek professionals who are open to new ways of thinking and can quickly pivot and provide support where it’s required most.”

Change for the Better

While change can be daunting, organizations are realizing its many benefits, the research shows. Senior managers were asked, “Which, if any, of the following has your team or company experienced because of changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic?” The top responses included:*

38% More frequent communication from leadership
37% Improved collaboration within and across teams
32% More innovation
31% Greater transparency and visibility into business priorities
30% More efficient processes resulting in faster turnaround times

*Multiple responses were permitted.

McDonald noted, “Faced with fewer resources, many teams have had to figure out how to streamline processes and deliver results remotely. For leaders, open and frequent communication has been key for keeping dispersed staff informed, engaged and striving toward the same goals.”

The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from July 10 to August 9, 2020. It includes responses from more than 2,800 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in 28 major U.S. cities.