The Changing Workforce Landscape

January 27, 2022 

by Teresa Delicino, Senior Director of Business Solutions

Across every industry and every community, our economic landscape has been altered by workforce challenges and shortages. The aftermath of COVID-19 and subsequent variants have crippled supply chains, overtaxed our healthcare systems, reduced productivity, increased consumer prices, and on and on. It reminds us that we are still amid the storm and recovery is a process.

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “we’re in a job-seekers’ market.” But what does that really mean? There are more available jobs than people actively looking for one, which means amazing opportunities and choices for job seekers who can now be more selective about the work they choose to accept – and where they choose to work. It also means there is greater competition for talent. I recently heard the best talent is taken off the market, on average, within ten days of starting their job search.

We are also experiencing a major workforce shift. Workers are choosing to leave their employers at record-breaking numbers. Throw in vaccine mandates and the retirement of aging workers and we have constant churn. With so much turnover, human resources staff are facing significant stress and burnout.

Changing the way in which we recruit and retain employees is a must. Removing barriers to employment is critical. Criteria that once was considered a requirement for candidate selection may now prevent employers from attracting applicants. Investing in on-the-job training and worker upskilling can open the door to workers that may never have been considered before. Engaging with work experience and internship projects can help build a pipeline of future talent.

Recruitment is step one; retention is key. To combat loss, many employers are looking inward and asking: Are we investing in our workers by providing advancement and training opportunities? Are we committed to a work-life balance? Are we embracing diversity and a positive work culture? In this competitive market, is our unique value proposition clear and are our wages and benefits attractive? Does the saying, “it’s easier to keep a customer than to attract a new one” apply here too?

Candidates, even though this is a job seekers’ market, you still need to make yourself a standout applicant. Competition exists for well-paying jobs and career advancement. Know the employer and know the market you are going into. Hone your own unique value and be prepared to compete. If you need to sharpen your skills or up your credentials, now is a great time to invest in your future.

This is a “both/and” scenario. Businesses need workers, and workers need businesses. WorkForce Central’s Business Solutions team bridges the gap between local employers and job seekers. Whether through recruitment assistance, providing access to subsidized labor and employee training, or supporting employers through business downturns, we are here to support our community. And the best part – it’s at no cost to you.