woman touching checkbox by happy face "Now is the time for organizations to evaluate what is working well for their people, and what's not resonating," says Alight Solution's Laine Thomas Conway. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The start of the COVID pandemic in the United States coincided with a surge in unemployment, peaking at 14.8% last April. Responding to chaos and uncertainty, as well as state-wide shutdowns, businesses tightened their belts, cut wages and hours, furloughed and laid-off workers.

Over the past year, many Americans with steady employment have counted their blessings, but they're also thinking about their futures. The post-pandemic world will offer new job opportunities, as well as new career fields. This will also mean a new threat for employers looking to retain their top talent.

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Emily Payne

Emily Payne is director, content analytics for ALM's Business & Finance Markets and former managing editor for BenefitsPRO. A Wisconsin native, she has spent the past decade writing and editing for various athletic and fitness publications. She holds an English degree and Business certificate from the University of Wisconsin.