There can be no doubt that the year 2020 will go down in history as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and even at the time of writing this, the surreal feeling surrounding what is going on in the world shows, small incremental steps of improvement, but no immediate signs of evaporating for good or returning “to normal”. This in turn led to thinking about the future, and more specifically how this situation will affect individuals within the recruitment industry and more specifically their mental health. As a subject matter the evolution of understanding Mental Health is increasing which is, in my opinion great, and needed now more than ever in preparation for returning to some sort of normality in the work place…………………..whenever that might be. Whilst it is undeniable that mental health presents itself in every single profession globally (it does not discriminate after all) my opinions are related to the recruitment industry given that is the profession I work within although as a subject this article could apply to many other professions.

I love recruitment, I always have and whilst I certainly would not, and cannot, claim to have executed the perfect process for many candidates and clients over the years, or have been the perfect consultant, manager or Director, my desire to try to have a positive impact for my clients, candidates and colleagues careers has not diminished and it is why I chose to do what I do. Whether people outside of the recruitment industry care to admit it or not, or whether they understand the mechanics of it recruitment/search is often a very tough job, and the mechanics of the job means in turn, it can be a relentless assault to one’s mental health……………..GOOD or BAD. “You chose that career” I hear you say, and of course that cannot be disagreed with, however I don’t think anyone that has not worked in recruitment before can truly prepare themselves for the emotional roller-coaster you can go through. That comment is attributed for the most part in what one could call “normal times”, yet today, we find ourselves in anything but normal.

Despite the often perceived belief that recruitment is an easy job, that comes with glitz and glamour, big pay cheques, flashy watches, and eating and drinking in the finest local surroundings the reality of getting to the more rewarding part is a significant journey that applies more pressure to ones mental health than people might realise. The sheer volume of rejection that one has to go through if a client doesn’t want to work with them, jobs and projects being pulled after you have interview after interview, the heartbreak of counter offers, leavers in rebate to get to the “rewarding components of the role” are in my opinion often underestimated by those that have not worked in the field, and therefore may find it hard to really comprehend. In 2019 a leading organisation carried out a survey specifically in relation to mental health issues within recruitment and some of the statistics were truly staggering. More than 70% of the recruiters surveyed stated they had suffered with mental health issues as a result of the work place/job, with an alarmingly high rate of individuals indicating they specifically had/are suffering from depression and perhaps more worryingly many immediate managers of these employees turned a blind eye when someone did have the courage to reach out.

Now more than ever, individuals in positions of responsibility have an obligation, in my opinion, to observe and lookout for signs that individuals mental health is as healthy as it can be. Adopting a more open attitude as it relates to mental health might be the skill a lot of us need to invest in now more so than ever before. With the pressure of targets, constant rejection, and a never ending quest for deals being in place in normal circumstances what will this translate to in these new times? With the global economy taking a hit many individuals have sadly lost their role and the competition for jobs within recruitment businesses could well be at the fiercest levels than they have been in years. The increase in competition, process, and multiple rejections could lead to a general mental anxiety many folks may not have experienced before. This is something that has to surely be considered, addressed and looked out for as early as possible. For experienced professionals, is there a risk leaders over compensate for any downsize that might have happened, and in turn increase personal sales targets considerably, which in turn also creates immediate anxiety and trepidation? Do you enforce individuals to come into the office upon the green light being given to do so or do we now take the time to understand how each and every individual is feeling about the environment, their jobs and themselves currently? Individuals are different, therefore a one solution fits all has never been more inappropriate.

It’s a challenge that does not have an obvious answer, thus proactively addressing these matters in this day and age has never been more vital. You can have the best call times, interviews, offers and deals but if you don’t know how recent times have impacted someone from an individual standpoint will they ever truly thrive in overcoming the challenges this pandemic has had on us all? It should be said that some individuals will actually WANT to get back to office working, have NO ISSUES getting on public transport, and strive to return to the structure they found themselves in before the lock down commenced. These individuals should also be applauded, but should also not be treated at source any differently.

Remember it’s okay to not be okay……….but next time you think someone is/might be making an excuse to get on the train, or come back to the office to work, or seems moody or grumpy it may be the perfect time to ask them “how are you feeling”. In these times it could well be the most powerful question you ever ask.