How senior executives are forgoing global jobs due to coronavirus pandemic

Kolkata: Recently, two candidates in the running for a CXO position at a tech major called up the search firm handling the mandate to say they were no longer interested in the US-based role. Another candidate, scheduled to be moved internally to take up an Asia-Pacific position abroad, is reconsidering it.

With the Covid-19 pandemic raging worldwide, the once much sought-after global jobs are being given a wide berth by senior executives. This trend is likely to continue for the next 12-18 months at least, even if the epidemic slows down, say leading recruiters. Be it concerns over travel, family pressures or continued risks till a vaccine is developed, senior professionals are likely to stay put.

“This situation will definitely affect international mobility, be it internal or external. Till vaccines are in place and this virus is controlled once and for all, people won’t want to take risks. The word ‘global’ won’t be in their dictionaries for the next 12-18 months at least,” said K Sudarshan, managing director at EMA Partners India.

He cited the example of a senior professional from Europe who was slated to take up a CXO role in fashion retail in India. The executive in question has developed cold feet.

BTI Consultants managing director James Agrawal said for a couple of searches in the US and Europe that they were running, Indians were saying “no”. “They are not even willing to entertain calls. Even if some would consider the offer, their families are actively dissuading them,” he said.

Some Indians working and settled abroad though are wanting to come back, he said. “Some are looking at India as a better option once the current crisis blows over.”

In the next one year or so, there will be a hesitation for Indian expatriation to the US or Europe.

Indians would be hesitant to go on positions there, said R Suresh, the founder of boutique executive search firm Insist. “Post that, the western nations will be considered safe as they would up the medical infrastructure.”