Employee Shortages Challenge the Economic Bounce Back in North America
July 19, 2021Employee Shortages: Labor Solutions Are on the Horizon for North American Corporations
Employee shortages across North America are the latest challenge for many businesses in a post-pandemic world. As industries of all kinds attempt to address an increase in demand for their goods and services, supply chains have struggled to keep up with the sudden surge due to labor shortages.
Some suppliers have been underperforming due to material and human shortages because a growing trend that a portion of the population is not ready to come back to work. This has caused a ripple effect throughout the economy that could potentially be felt for several years. Many business owners will have to adapt their offerings to speak to the needs of their workforces while innovating temporary labor solutions.
Labor Shortages Across Endless Industries, Both Small, Medium, and Large
Some industries, most notably in the factory and manufacturing industry have struggled to fill in some of their entry-level and low-paying roles. Warehouse workers and servers might be exploring other options of unemployment and opting to wait out the last few months of the pandemic. Unemployment continues to remain high and is likely due to a mix of improved unemployment benefits, issues related to school closures, and parenting, along with the simple fear that many workers are afraid of coming back to the job site, despite being fully vaccinated.
Manufacturing industries including electronic suppliers, producers of computer parts and semiconductors, general appliances, automotive, furniture, and logistics might need to address these labor shortages with creative means in order to supply the pent-up demand expected with the reopening of the economy. Further, many food and beverage industries continue to see challenges in addressing consumer demand, with the tobacco and alcohol industry also experiencing similar work shortages.
Labor Shortages Might Be Addressed with Revised Employment Offerings
Many business owners and executives might have to rethink their offerings and business models to address worker shortages and consumer demands. The lower wages that were once accepted by many workforces might not be enough to encourage workers to return to the job site. With unemployment benefits evolving during the pandemic, convincing workers to come back to the job site could be difficult. Workforces might be looking for an increase in wages, new health benefits, job security, and a demonstration that their employer has gone above and beyond to protect their workforces from COVID and its dangerous variants.
Labor shortages have made massive impacts on the supply chain, and workers will likely need new skills while adjusting to these shortages. This could be addressed by offering workers new opportunities for advancement in their field, ongoing training, and scholarships that can help lead workers toward further development within their careers. Temporary workforces could also play a role as a business navigates complicated labor issues, including strikes and union negotiations.
Labor Shortages in North America Could Be Addressed with Enhanced Benefits
Many industries might need to adapt to the changing nature of work post-pandemic. Workers, especially parents and guardians, have likely had to juggle both parenting and full-time work to make ends meet for close to two years now. Pair that with rolling lockdowns and the potential of getting sick at work, while many are already feeling the long-term effects of pandemic fatigue on their physical and mental wellness.
Recruitment campaigns that speak to the changing needs of workers will likely see success in finding people who are ready to return to the job force. These offerings could include flexible work options that don’t fit in the traditional 9-5 working day, a mixture of remote and in-person work, and childcare benefits that can ease the burden of balancing life, full-time employment, and parenting. Extensive health initiatives are gaining momentum, as the population places emphasis on physical health and wellbeing ahead of things like on-site perks and catered lunches.
Addressing Employee Shortages with Temporary Workforces From AFIMAC
In other instances, business owners might need to consider replacing their workforces with temporary workers who can address labor shortages and keep the business viable for the foreseeable future. Should a corporation be expecting a difficult labor negotiation, walk-offs, or extensive absenteeism, temporary labor can address these challenges until the situation is fully addressed.
AFIMAC maintains a directory of highly skilled laborers that can address long-term strikes with temporary workers across many industries. These temporary workers provide a solution to challenges related to your supply chain and help ease issues of absenteeism that have arisen post-pandemic. Should your business experience labor shortages, AFIMAC can offer many solutions while helping navigate challenges with union negotiations and strikes. Further, AFIMAC can address other issues that may arise, including strike security, remote terminations, and executive protection service offerings.
Contact us directly to learn more about available services and address the challenges related to labor shortages across North America.
Updated January 15th, 2024: Employee shortages persist across North America with many local temporary agencies having limited labor solutions available to employers. Connect with AFIMAC directly and begin planning for labor shortages that could disrupt your business and harm your bottom line. With the right planning in place, your business can tap into mobile human resources delivered anywhere in North America. Fill out the form below to learn more.
