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These are truly uncertain times and we can mostly hope for the best and the end of the coronavirus. It’s now been 5 weeks since we’ve all had to stay home to keep safe. Our work lives have been far from what we have known as normal. No one would have thought sometime in January that this will turn out to be a global pandemic.
Reviewing LinkedIn these days has become more downing as many of our friends, connections or 2nd and 3rd degree connections or even strangers have broken the news of their lay off. So many people have become unemployed while others fear loosing their jobs as the economy remains affected. Someone mentioned that this is a time when people will remember how they were treated by their employers.
While you can’t hold it out to these employers, we can also imagine that businesses and entrepreneurs are going through a lot during the pandemic.
On the positive side, the government has provided the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) fund to help members of the public who have been impacted by coronavirus. If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the CERB may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
While it is important that you take care of yourself during this period and stay safe. If you are of the opinion that you should go back to work, here are some positions in high demand. Do ensure that your prospective employer is doing everything possible to keep you safe and reduce your risk of an infection.
Factors like regular hand washing, using protective equipment, taking adequate rest or break, sensitization, etc. should come into mind because of course, under the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) every worker has the right to know, refuse and participate when it comes to a safe and healthy workplace.
Read: The New Normal: Work From Home
Grocery Store Associate
This role is in high demand and it’s no surprise because with the current state of things grocery stores are looking to hire workers to stock up the shelves and assist customers now that we are expected to practice social distancing in public areas.
For most stores, precautionary measures are being taken by ensuring that they have limited shoppers within the store at a time to reduce the risks of exposing their workers to coronavirus. Some have also added suggestive foot prints on the floor to signify where shoppers should stand during check out to ensure a six-foot distance between customers.
Sites like Indeed will provide open positions that you can review. While grocery store associate jobs are essential during this time, we can understand how this is also a role that might expose employees to the risk of getting infected. We do appreciate their sacrifice and applaud their bravery. Check out this article on Grocery Store Associates.
Delivery Driver
With everyone being expected to stay at home, delivery drivers are in high demand. This is understandable since staying safe is a top priority at this time. Delivery would generally involve, food and packages to homes or possibly transportation of goods between warehouses and retailers. This provides a wide range of companies that you could apply to.
So the likes like Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc for take outs, or even restaurants directly that need help with sending food to homes as people will require this service. On the other hand, you could be delivering for Amazon, Walmart, etc.
In this role, there is less interaction with the general public which is good for preventing the risks of getting infected with the coronavirus. However, remember to take safety measures like frequently washing your hands, keeping your hands away from your face and taking breaks.
Warehouse Workers/ Managers
These workers prepare customer orders, pack boxes and follow up on shipping. They take stock of inventory as well. With the increase in online ordering, this has become a highly demanded role. This role will require little contact to large members of the public and so reduces the risks of being exposed. However, since there will be other workers in the facility, exercising safety exercises frequently is highly recommended. As a result, Amazon is hiring over 100,00 workers.
Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers during these times have been really essential to the human race. We can’t thank them well enough for the sacrifice and dedication they have had all through this period. It’s incredible. It’s so thoughtful to see how members of the public are taking out time to thank these workers, because they are truly our unsung heroes dedicating their time to helping save lives. Let’s stay home and safe to help flatten the curve.
We have a number of articles on healthcare, that you can review for more information, however, this is a good starting point: Finding a Good Career in Healthcare.
Read: How Telehealth Can Help With Medical Advice
Other roles in high demand at this time include Shoppers with companies like Instacart, Loblaws, etc. offering pick up from the stores or home delivery. Also, there is the need for Psychologists during these times as many are handling the situation in different ways and need professional advise/ help. Read up on how We Need to Talk More About Mental Health And Finding A Therapist and use our Job Board to find your next role.
Did you recently loose your job as a result of COVID-19? How are you currently coping with this and are you looking out for alternative roles? Feel free to share your thoughts below in the comment section. Subscribe to the blog so that you are immediately updated on exclusive topics.
