Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020! Multiethnic young creative people celebrating the holiday. … (+)
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Does your Christmas season networking schedule feel lighter than usual? If so, you’re not alone. New research from LinkedIn shows that 30% of UK workers are less likely to go to a celebratory party this year than they were five years ago. This is surprising given the tough job market, where competition for jobs is fierce. Traditionally, the holiday season is marked by a variety of company-sponsored parties that double as networking events, but people are less likely to attend. Janine Chamberlin, head of LinkedIn UK, explains why traditional networks are in such decline.
“The same conditions that are impacting the world of work are also reflected in changes in the traditional concept of networking,” says Chamberlin. “We did research on this and found that people don’t invest as much time into networking because they believe they don’t have time to have long lunches or stay out late after work. Here’s what experts found: A new way to network while balancing all these things has come to the forefront over the past few years, according to the study. The most common reasons for late participation in events are people not wanting to extend their working hours, too much pressure to make time with their current workload, and more importantly personal reasons. promise.
As people collectively grapple with balancing flexibility and steady income, the question is whether the decline in networking has anything to do with the deprioritization of traditional careers. Chamberlin doesn’t think so. “I think there is a change, but I don’t know if it’s a deprioritization. I think the ambition is still there, but people’s views on what career progression actually means have changed. It’s not about climbing the ladder, it’s about how we act.”There are many different ways we can achieve our ambitions and act in line with the ends we are looking for. Please gain experience. ”
What role does networking play in helping people find their next role? It’s certainly a tough job market, but LinkedIn’s October 2024 Workforce Report shows signs that the job market is recovering. Shown. Although employment increased in all 20 industries measured by the report from August to September, employment remains below 2023 levels. Considering this situation, networking remains a skill that gives job seekers an edge. “Our research proves that people still think networking is as important as ever,” says Chamberlin. “More than 70% of UK professionals believe networking is essential to career success. Almost half of those who took part in our survey said their boss would like them to network more. I believe that finding your thoughts is not just important for success in your next job, but in your current job as well.
What does networking look like now, given that even though traditional networking is on the decline, it still occupies an important place in careers? “That’s the obvious answer. . It’s a shift to online,” Chamberlin said. “People are building relationships through new communities and online platforms.” This means that you can reach out to attendees online and start or continue a conversation there, versus what you’re missing out on if you don’t go to an event in person. If anything, it’s a balancing equation. These virtual relationships are also becoming easier to foster. “It’s easier to reach out to people virtually and start building relationships before you decide to take the time to meet in person. Thanks to the pandemic, we’ve gotten used to this,” says Chamberlin. he says.
Regardless of your preferred networking method, it remains essential to building meaningful connections. Start looking at it as an added value rather than a necessary evil. For example, consider how networking allows you to exchange knowledge, gain insights, and stay up to date on industry trends. Networking increases your visibility and increases your chances of landing your next job. And that will continue.
