COVID-19 has transformed the world entirely, having huge implications on every aspect of life – especially the job market and corporate sector. Unfortunately, several industries have faced and continue to face catastrophic labor shortages. Frequent lockdowns have caused many people to lose their jobs, and stats say most are still on the hunt. So, why is there such disparity?
Here’s What’s Happening
With unemployment at an all-time high, employers are still struggling to hire. Why, might you ask? There are several reasons why Americans have not bounced back into the workforce. And employers need to assess the ongoing situation and make necessary changes in their approach to tackle this problem.
Parents having to juggle between work and home
Complete closure of public nurseries and schools means homeschooling and remote learning for children. This has made it extremely difficult for parents to strike a balance between working and supervising their children. This is why either one of the parents often opts to stay back and take up the role of a homemaker.
Although the world is slowly beginning to inch closer towards normalcy, COVID-19 health restrictions are still being imposed, which is why slots in nurseries are limited, and schools are not reopening in full capacity.
High risk of contracting the virus
An obvious reason why many are still reluctant to return to the job market is the COVID-19 pandemic itself. Despite massive vaccination programs, many have still not gotten vaccinated, and those who have are still largely susceptible due to the virus’s different strains.
Nobody wants to put themselves in a position, particularly those in the hospitality and healthcare sector, where they’re vulnerable to catching the virus and potentially bringing it back home to their loved ones—especially given the low pay rates to those working to the forefront.
Reevaluating priorities
Many lost their loved ones and livelihoods to the COVID-19 pandemic. This ultimately created an opportunity for many to reevaluate their priorities, shift and reconsider career aspirations and goals.
Perhaps many realized that long, odd hours of laborious work were not worth the modest pay rate and stringent work environment after all. And that they regarded flexibility and a job they enjoyed more than that extra dollar.
Government reliefs and unemployment insurance
With the government providing reliefs such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and insurance to those impacted financially by the pandemic, it’s no surprise that many are unwilling to return to the job market. This may be because some are making the same or more by not working at all.
Entrepreneurship mindset
Frequent lockdowns, home confinement, and much spare time led to the emergence of several start-ups and small-scale businesses all over America. And this is hardly surprising. No one can rely on unpredictable and fluctuating jobs which are at constant risk.
What Employers Can Do
To tackle this ongoing shortage, employers need to make necessary changes to their approach and adapt to these new working conditions.
To retract employees, businesses should offer work-from-home options, if possible. This will provide working parents and those caring for aged family members relief.
Moreover, it’s crucial to build a productive, positive and inspiring work environment to boost their morale. If employers make sure they’re caring for their workers, paying them good amounts, and providing other benefits, there will be a boost in the working force.
Staffing Solutions with McCartney HR
Although the road to a complete workforce seems to be bumpy, with changes to your approach and a reliable staffing partner, you can tackle all these problems and more. McCartney HR provides fast recruiting HR consulting for STEM-centered positions and other related vacancies. So book a one-on-one consultation with us today and get connected with the state’s top employees.
