The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a massive shift in the global job market—from record-low unemployment to millions suddenly out of work.
A recent Guardian article highlights the severity of the situation:
“The latest figures from the U.S. Labor Department mean more than 36 million people have filed for unemployment benefits in the last two months. The rate of claims is slowing, but the record-breaking pace of layoffs has already pushed unemployment to levels unseen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.”
This situation raises two important questions:
- Is anyone hiring during this time?
- When the pandemic eases, how will millions of people rejoin the workforce?
Hiring Now – and a Glut on the Way?
While the pandemic has disrupted several industries, others continue to hire actively.
The Glassdoor blog “54 Companies Actively Hiring During COVID-19” (by Dominique Fluker, May 1) lists organizations filling roles — with some even experiencing a hiring surge.
Industries with high demand include:
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Technology and IT services
- Food and essential goods
- Financial institutions
Local news outlets also report numerous openings in regional markets, providing a ray of hope amid uncertainty.
As for the post-pandemic future, HR departments are already planning for a changed landscape. According to Roy Maurer, Online Manager/Editor for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), in his article “CHROs Plan for an Abundant Talent Market Post-COVID” (April 22, 2020):
“The employment situation has shifted dramatically in the last few weeks since the coronavirus outbreak shut down large portions of the economy. HR leaders have had to pivot from recruiting amid the lowest unemployment on record to managing a sea change in how people work while planning for a very different post-COVID future.”
He adds that a talent surplus could be one of the biggest challenges for HR and talent acquisition teams.
Technology Is Key to Getting People Back Onboard
Digital transformation is at the heart of post-COVID recruitment and onboarding.
In the HR Technologist blog “15 Tips to Hire Talent Post the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic,” Jeanniey Mullen, Chief Innovation Officer at DailyPay, emphasizes:
“Industries need to immediately shift to a heavy reliance on digital for all aspects—from recruitment, interview, onboarding, and even termination pay.”
She explains that anticipating a re-emergence means focusing on digital-first processes to ensure continuity and resilience.
Similarly, Kimberly Houston, in her JotForm article “Online Onboarding and Training for New Employees During COVID-19” (April 29, 2020), notes:
“We’re living in a new reality — one where online onboarding and training for new employees is no longer simply a perk or a tool for tech-savvy companies, but the new normal.”
This highlights the growing need for cloud-based HR solutions and AI-driven onboarding systems that can match pre-pandemic efficiency levels.
Why Current Onboarding May Not Be Up for the Task
Despite advancements in HR tech, many companies still rely on manual or paper-based onboarding.
This includes processes like:
- Entering data into different HR systems
- Completing forms such as W-4s, I-9s, and payroll information
- Assigning equipment and access
- Setting up new-hire training paths
Without digital automation, organizations risk lost time, higher costs, and reduced productivity — especially during large-scale hiring surges.
To remain competitive, companies must embrace technology that simplifies and accelerates onboarding while ensuring compliance and accuracy.
How AI and Automation Simplify Employee Onboarding
The post-COVID era demands speed, scalability, and accuracy. Intelligent automation can help by:
- Streamlining form recognition and data input
- Integrating seamlessly with HR, payroll, and training systems
- Improving data security and employee satisfaction
- Reducing administrative workloads
By adopting AI-driven onboarding, organizations can deliver a faster, more personalized employee experience and free up HR teams to focus on strategic tasks.
Prolifics Can Help
Meet Leia — your digital Employee Onboarding Officer.
Leia automates the entire onboarding process in just two minutes. She can:
- Identify and process HR forms and documents
- Connect with multiple systems (payroll, benefits, training)
- Notify facilities, IT, and security teams automatically
- Ensure data accuracy and compliance
Leia helps manage applicant volumes, reduce manual errors, and accelerate onboarding — creating a smoother experience for managers and new hires alike.
Connect with Leia at solutions@prolifics.com to see how she can help you onboard faster and smarter.
