Managing expectations will be essential for employers and employees alike to succeed in a labor market that has been disrupted by external factors, says a new report.
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Moving Beyond Disruption: Managing Expectations for Tomorrow’s Workforce is the latest annual labor market plan published by the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, with support from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
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The 50-page report drew on community input and data analysis to paint a picture of the labor market in Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, and Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant counties.
Danette Dalton, the Workforce Planning Board’s executive director, said major upheavals, from the rising cost of living to COVID’s fallout, war, climate change and the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) have and will continue to impact Grand Erie.
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“Moving beyond disruption means we need to take the time to make sustainable decisions that are supportive of our workforce, our businesses, our communities and our environment – today and in the future,” said Dalton.
Having a labor market able to weather disruptions requires recognition and understanding the priorities of the workforce and employers, said Dalton.
Priorities for job seekers and workers include competitive wages, flexible work arrangements, opportunities to get skills training, and access to transportation and childcare. Key issues for employers include finding reliable workers with the needed skills, employee retention, supporting their staff’s mental health, and increasing inclusivity and diversity in their workforce.
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“Managing expectations effectively is a critical skill for job seekers and employers,” said Dalton. “It requires the job seeker and employer to actively listen to each other’s perspectives and concerns and to address them constructively.”
Highlights from the 2023-2024 labor market plan include:
- There has been a modest increase in the number of Grand Erie businesses, led by a growth of self-employment.
- Fewer Brantford-Brant residents are working or looking for work compared to a year ago, making it harder for businesses to hire local.
- Job growth in the wider area, which includes Hamilton-Niagara, slowed in 2023 compared to 2021-2022.
- While there continues to be a shortage of many skilled trades, the number of apprenticeship registrations was up in 2023, including among females.
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Dalton said this year’s labor market plan confirms the need for continued investment in skills training and upgrading, especially for residents not participating in the labor market. And work needs to continue to support groups that have been historically underrepresented in the labor market, including residents who are Indigenous, racialized, newcomers, people with disabilities, and youth.
“Workforce development strategies for Grand Erie need to be human-centered,” Dalton said. “There are many people who feel overwhelmed by the disruptions that have taken place and don’t think they have a place in today’s labor market. They need our support.”
Moving Beyond Disruption can be found at workforceplanningboard.org/local-labour-market-information/
The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 non-profit organizations that play a leadership role in labor force planning in their communities.
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