While recruitment activity for the whole market in the first quarter of this year has dropped by approximately 30-40% compared to the same period last year, demand for workforce in e-commerce, information technology (IT), and fintech increased, according to the latest quarterly labor market update released on April 27 by Adecco Vietnam.

Photo: Vietnam News

In the pre-pandemic time, in January and February, Adecco Vietnam witnessed a rise of up to 11% in demand for workers in electronics and manufacturing sectors compared to the same period of 2019. This is due to the trade tension between the US and China leading to the relocation of production chains out of this country, and Vietnam is considered as a potential manufacturing hub. Since the pandemic broke out in Vietnam in March, recruitment demand has dropped.

However, certain positions are highly sought-after than ever. ‘’E-commerce, information technology, and fintech are looking for more professionals. Social distancing and the fear of virus spreading make people available online frequently," said Nguyen Thu Ha, director of Hanoi office, Adecco Vietnam.

In this quarter, demand for project manager or software engineering manager in IT industry increased by 20% over the same period last year, according to Chuong Nguyen, associate director of Ho Chi Minh City Recruitment Business, Adecco Vietnam.

Besides, the home-cook trend and preparation for quarantine lead to an increase in packaged and frozen food, dairy, personal care and household products. Positions such as sales manager and marketing manager in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are urgently in need, Chuong added.

Towards a robust rebound strategy

Working from home in quarantine or isolation is pushing many people to the brink of burnout. To adapt to new ways of working and collaborating in a very short space of time, there is a rising demand for effective teleworking skills and businesses need people who can manage teams via virtual platforms.

“The combination of digital skills and leadership skills, along with the rapid adaptation and crisis management for changes in this unprecedented moment, is more highly sought after now than ever,” Andree Mangels, general director of Adecco Malaysia and Vietnam said.

For a post-pandemic quick recovery, companies can consider the learning and development strategies, invest in people and up-skill local staff.