Vauban Executive Search conducted a study of 400 real estate professionals to measure the impact of the coronavirus on human resources. Several challenges, such as stress management and employee engagement, had to be addressed during this health crisis, but others remain, such as recruitment, which has been scaled back and prioritized for specific profiles.

“This crisis was unique in that it was sudden and unexpected. Remote work had to be implemented very quickly, with companies that weren't necessarily prepared for it, nor were the majority of employees, especially in our professions. Half of our respondents noted these difficulties,” emphasizes Thierry de La Rocque , consultant at Vauban Executive Search, regarding the results of their latest study. “Two-thirds were then overwhelmed by the time they had to dedicate to their children, helping and supporting them with their schoolwork or simply keeping them occupied… 50% of our respondents therefore reported the stress and anxiety generated by the combination of these challenges.”

The conclusion to be drawn? For Vauban Executive Search, it's that real estate developers need to rethink their vision of housing. "No longer just a temporary place where time is spent mostly at the office or out and about, and little at home. Housing will once again become a true living space with room for children to play, an office to maintain working hours, and common areas designed for family life… Lockdown would have been very different for many people."

Another notable point among the results: the crisis seems to have heightened business leaders' perception of the crucial importance of human resources for the vitality of companies: 60% note that teams are just as committed despite the difficulties caused by the situation, and 37% even specify that they are more committed! "However, we must not overlook the obstacles encountered by management in this remote relationship, which is unfamiliar to most," adds Thierry De La Rocque.

In addition, 63% of the business leaders surveyed believe that employees will reassess their priorities. The major challenge of easing lockdown is therefore managerial: after the disruptions caused by remote work, physical distancing, the complications of life in lockdown, uncertainties about the future, doubts about the sustainability of the current model, and legitimate questions and reflections, there is nothing more urgent than bringing teams together around a common project.

What about recruitment?

A key issue for HR departments, recruitment has unsurprisingly been severely impacted. A third of respondents reported having stopped recruitment, and 28% revised their plans downwards. The remaining third are not changing their forecasts or are even revising them upwards for this year.

"While we are likely to see less pressure on real estate jobs with a certain rebalancing of the candidate/recruiter market, it is important to note that companies will need to be more selective."

Thierry De La Rocque, Principal at Vauban Executive Search, believes

91% of respondents believe that real estate will remain attractive to new talent. The profiles most sought after are those in asset management (25%) and technical and operational roles (25%). However, notably, only 19% of searches are for profiles in development/sales, a significant decrease compared to the very high demand in these areas before the pandemic.

For their part, candidates may also become more demanding, and not just in terms of their willingness to work remotely. "They will want to join companies that are up to the challenges ahead: with a strong, ambitious project adapted to the context," predicts the firm Vauban Executive Search.

Article produced by Business Immo – [ https://www.businessimmo.com/contents/118917/les-ressources-humaines-de-limmobilier-font-face-a-de-nouveaux-defis-vauban-executive-search ]