Middle Tennessee Staffing Trends

Middle Tennessee Staffing Trends

Before the pandemic hit, the jobs market in Middle Tennessee was strong, with low unemployment rates and a strong economy. As the area slowly reopens, though, the unemployment rate has hit record highs . In fact, the current 14.7 percent unemployment rate is the highest it's been since the Great Depression.

But there is good news. Although the rate may not have leveled off, experts believe things could begin to improve over the summer. Even with improvements, though, it could be a while before the U.S. job market returns to normal, which means you may need to tweak your career path slightly, if only for the short term.

Wherever you are in your career journey, here's a look at some staffing trends in Middle Tennessee to help you not only survive a struggling economy but thrive.

Transportation, Insurance, and Healthcare

Those working in transportation are experiencing an increase in opportunity due to the pandemic. For those who aren't in the field, now may be a great time to think about getting in. When it comes to local employers adding new jobs, transportation came in first, according to ZipRecruiter . Truck drivers, warehouse workers, and delivery drivers are especially in demand right now.

Working from Home

Over the next year or so, those who can work from home will likely find the best opportunities. In fact, experts predict some jobs may remain remote permanently. It's a shift that was already in place before the pandemic, but the need for social distancing pushed businesses that weren't already allowing at least occasional telework to explore it. If you're looking for a career that can be easily done from home, there are numerous large employers that hire call center representatives who can work from the comfort of their own homes.

Restaurants and Retail

Although restaurants and retailers have been given the green light to reopen, safety precautions will be in place for a while. Customers aren't coming out in large numbers, so even those who are actively employed may find their hours slashed. Complicating this are the expert predictions that food delivery and online shopping may have permanently gained a larger market share.

If you're looking for a job in Middle Tennessee, Express Pros can help. Our Dickson office specializes in placing skilled talent across the Middle Tennessee area, with a focus on professional, light industrial, and office services. Call us at (615) 441-8898 to learn more about what careers might be a good fit for your talents.