What Hiring with Empathy Looks Like in a Post-Covid World Here's what hiring with empathy for hourly roles looks like in action.

A year ago, our world (and economy) turned upside down. Industries like retail, hospitality and manufacturing were hit hard. As an example, statistics from the National Restaurant Association show sales in 2020 were down $240 billion. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) also claims more than half of hotel owner respondents said they were in danger of foreclosure.

An optimist might say the growing availability of vaccines will accelerate our return to normalcy. But I don't believe many people want to go back to what was normal. Instead, we want to build something better. We start by understanding hourly workers — those most often deemed "essential" in times of struggle — are the backbone of the global economy and need more support.

In the wake of the pandemic, empathy is what will set any business apart from its competitors. Last year's surge of layoffs and disregard for essential employees' safety has rightfully left a bad taste in the mouths of the working class as evidenced by the Great Resignation. Workers want to know they matter and that their employers care. Now is the time to show them that you do. Doing so could be the difference between increasing your market share or losing it. The best way for employers to mitigate their risk for employees leaving is to demonstrate empathy throughout the employment lifecycle, from initial candidate attraction to separation.