The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of remote workforces that many companies are leaning into for the long haul. But if employers can now easily fill open positions with remote workers from other states or even other countries, how will this impact New Jersey jobseekers?
Speaking during NJ101.5’s Town Hall, “The Future of Work in New Jersey,” on Thursday night, NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka told host Eric Scott the remote work arrangements that many workers want could have a downside for New Jersey jobseekers, as well as the state’s economy.
“The next generation is big into gig work because it gives them the flexibility and the mobility they want,” Siekerka said. “But I think something we really have to be conscious of with remote work is … we can now hire nationally and internationally. Think about that. I can hire high-tech people remotely from across the world, not even just the next state.
“We have to be careful about the impact on our talent pool here,” Siekerka said.
Siekerka was one of three panelists on the Town Hall broadcast, which also included Maria Heidkamp, director of program development at Rutgers University’s Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, and Peter Chen, senior policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective. To watch the recording of the NJ101.5 town hall, go here.
