Due to the epidemic, many companies have suspended operations. As a provider of essentials, Walmart has stayed in operation during this special period throughout China, even in Wuhan, to supply daily necessities, said Fang Xiaofeng, senior vice president of human resources of Walmart China.

At the same time, Walmart is facing a huge manpower gap. Thus, they welcome companies to collaborate with them and contribute to society, Fang added.

Before temporary workers start their new jobs, they have to get physical examinations and training and sign job contracts. To ensure their safety, employers provide them with protective equipment including masks, goggles and disinfectant.

Experts believe flexible employment will be a major change in the supply of human resources in China in the future. If institutional barriers can be solved by the development of the digital economy, rapid and accurate matching between supply and demand sides of human resources can be achieved, allowing labor to flow more effectively.

Lin Yuanjun in Shenzhen contributed to this story