Trending
There are fewer applicants for jobs.
And more applicants are not necessarily qualified for the positions they seek.
More also don't show up for interviews.
We know employers in our region are facing those stark realities.
No doubt, the pandemic caused a major disruption in America's labor force -- many refer to it as "The Great Resignation."
In 2021 -- amid continued, government-ordered shutdowns due to COVID -- more than 47 million workers quit their jobs.
Most of them were in search of an improved work-life balance and flexibility, increased compensation and a strong company culture.
Others just simply retired to get out of the "rat race."
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce points to one among various contributing factors to the ongoing worker shortage crisis: Many women have not returned to the workforce in the wake of the pandemic.
What we fear -- and what we believe government and Wall Street get wrong -- is that "The Great Resignation," coupled with too many applicants' lazy attitudes, has fundamentally changed the American labor force… and the economy.
The labor market is undergoing structural, worker-driven changes.
Companies of every size and industry and across every state are facing unprecedented challenges trying to find enough workers to fill open jobs, the U.S. chamber says.
Recent data shows we have 11.5 million job openings in the U.S., and 5.9 million unemployed workers.
We're not suggesting government can solve this.
Too many factors are at play: Competition for good people drives up wages at the same time our nation is seeing inflation rise higher than in 40 years.
Yes, things ARE different today.
Communities had better get off their backsides and invest in the things that matter so to recruit more people to move to their areas.
Those who are not bringing stakeholders to the table in a collective spirit of partnership -- business, industry, civic and community leaders -- to talk about and to develop incentives will be left behind.
How's your community's quality of life?
Housing?
Schools?
Taxes?
Cultural venues?
Recreational-outdoor opportunities?
We do not think we're being overly dramatic.
We talk to employers as we help them recruit workers.
They are in dire need of good people to make products and sell services we all need or want or use.