What We Learned in 2020

We are officially closing the chapter on 2020. For a lot of us, it has been a challenging, transformative, and life-altering time period. In many ways, life continued as usual – we were still expected to show up for work, birthdays were celebrated, and Ariana Grande put out an album. But in other ways, it was like no other year we have ever experienced.

For better or worse, the last 12 months have changed us. And now, looking back, we can see the lessons we’ve learned – about health, perseverance, community, and our shared history as Americans – lessons that will hopefully stick with us forever.

We asked current Riley Decker employees to give their insights on what lessons and takeaways 2020 left with them. These are broken up into three major categories: In Life, as Job Seekers, and as Job Providers. Here are their responses:

IN LIFE

1) Take a Break
When you board an airplane, they run through the pre-flight instructions before each flight. The most notable and often used analogy is that you must put your mask on first. The same applies to your mental health. It’s amazing what one can accomplish with a clear and well-rested mind. Take the break.

2) Essential Workers Are Heroes
Warehouse associates are heroes. Delivery drivers are heroes. Mail people are heroes. Grocery store employees are heroes. Nurses are heroes. Transit workers are heroes. Frontline workers are heroes. Any essential employee that continues to go to work to keep America moving is a hero. Thank you.

3) Family Matters
Whether it is your biological family or your work family, one of the biggest lessons we learned from 2020 was how much family matters. From the beginning of the pandemic when we were isolated from loved ones, we learned to cherish the times we could see each other in person. And, we’ve learned how much work-place family makes a difference in our lives, as well.

Always Have At Least Two Weeks’ Worth of Toilet Paper
Do we need to elaborate?

AS EMPLOYERS

1) A Multi-Channel Approach Is Essential for Attracting Candidates
It is no secret that employment seekers are looking through a range of outlets for opportunities. However, no one place is the top spot to build awareness about your brand or opportunity. By diversifying your job postings, you will be targeting a larger pool of qualified candidates. Try utilizing online job boards, social media, professional connections, and word of mouth!

2) Quality Communication Defines Your Candidates’ Experience
By cultivating better communication skills, your candidates’ experience will be better too. Good communication is time and time again a top factor in what creates positive experiences and increased retention rates.

3) Texting Is A Must-Have in Recruiting
Chances are most of you are reading this on your phone right now. Taking advantage of modern technologies such as email automation and text-recruiting provide timely and consistent channels of communications. Utilizing these methods ensure that what you are adapting to the ease and accessibility of those you are hiring.

AS JOB SEEKERS

1) Partner with A Recruiter
We employed almost 20,000 associates in 2020. Our staffers and recruiters work to find the best career fit in line with their needs and interests. Reach out to experts in the industry to drive your company to success!

2) If at First, You Do Not Succeed, Try Again
It is especially hard to find positivity during dark times. But it is important to remember that the first plane did not fly on the first test flight and the first novel an author writes is not usually a hit. If people did not try again after failure, this world would be nothing like it is today. Keep pushing through and don’t forget that part about communication…

3) Company Culture Is Imperative
What is the environment like? Who else works there? How do they treat their employees? These are all questions individuals ask themselves when searching for a job. By taking the time to consider what is valuable to you and how those values align within the company, it will make you a happier employee down the road.