Why is there still a labour shortage?
Shane Wenzel ???
CEO & President @ Shane Homes Group of Companies | Leading Real Estate Development Professional
It's still easy to find work in Calgary!
'Now Hiring' signs are still on display everywhere across Calgary. Some employers are offering higher than the 'newest minimum wage,' and others are enticing applicants with promises to fund post-secondary education, pay for your meals, and even more perks. Signing bonuses are often on-the-table for much-needed truck drivers. We have all experienced the shortage in labour either at our companies, or while standing in extra-long bank and retail lineups, or experiencing slower than usual service at restaurants.
As the pandemic continues to ease, the pool of potential workers is noticeably smaller. Before the pandemic officially arrived in March 2020, people were working, and business was looking forward to a more robust economy. We were still waiting for the 'nervous investors' to return, but the entrepreneurs were back and ready to offer 'good jobs.'
The lockdowns undoubtedly caused an unprecedented shock to work life. Suddenly we were forced into a giant work-from-home or stay-home scenario. Time off during lockdowns caused some to reflect on their future and choose a different path. Many in their prime working years – for various reasons – prefer to remain working from home, and older workers edging close to retirement at lockdown sped up retirement. Employers are scrambling to respond. The professional workforce and blue-collar workforce alike are affected. Unexpectedly, this may take longer to deal with than the evolving supply chain shortages. A common challenge for many industries – including mine – is the extreme shortage of trained and experienced tradespeople. This has led to increased labour costs and higher consumer prices.
Now that mandates are effectively gone, a fair assumption was that people who had not already returned would do so. It is hoped that expiring benefits may coax more prime-age workers off the sidelines; however, early retirees will be less likely to return. As the economy moves ahead, this imbalance between the need for workers and their availability is quickly becoming a challenge for many industries. There is also growing concern that an overheated job market could add fuel to the already growing inflation.
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A glimpse into the future suggests we must take different steps quickly to keep our economy moving forward. Employers may find ways to use robots or remote workers. However, the need for businesses to seriously collaborate on solutions has never been more relevant. We need to find ways to encourage more prime-age workers to return to work and get more young workers trained for the future. There is no evidence that workers are quitting because they have become work-shy, as some are willing to work for less pay to work fewer hours.
Companies are considering a number of possibilities and strategies.
The bottom line is that we need collaboration between business, government and civil society. The future of job creation is no longer white-collar vs. blue-collar. It appears to be a 'new collar.'
Vice President at Janico Group
2 年Vernon has "Help Wanted" signs everywhere.
Estimating | Sales | EWP Design
2 年Shane, it's not all bout the money anymore. Some people left workplaces because those workplaces don't want to change and adapt. Vaccination requirements for example. Just my two cents on the matter.
CIM | Chartered Managers Canada member
2 年Yet, the responses to the countless resumes that I have submitted since my visit to Calgary in July all begin with…. “Reach out when you move here”??♀? To which I respond “I’ll move when I have a role to start.” This is why- I’m employed now, and I own a house as well as other assets. I cannot obtain a mortgage in Calgary without a job to go to. I’m not looking to rebuild- I’m looking to relocate, there’s a difference. I’m also quick to clarify that I am not looking for my move-return to Calgary paid for. So, if there’s an employee shortage… Btw Shane Wenzel ??? I enjoyed your article.
Safety Ahead Ltd. Consultant/ COR External Auditor/ Safety In a Box
2 年You run a great company and that really helps attract great people!
Experienced Strategic Financial Leader with extensive expertise and currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Leadership.
2 年Valid points! This is going to be very tough to turnaround as getting people out of their comfort zone and changing patterns in the human resource industry is very complicated. This maybe the new reality and we have to work around this new reality.