A survey of local employers found that the majority are unhappy with the caliber of available workers.
The results of the 2023 EmployerOne survey — conducted in January 2023 by the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie – found that 70 per cent of employers rated the availability of qualified workers as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’. Only four per cent were rated ‘excellent’, while the remaining 26 per cent were ‘good’.
A decline in employer satisfaction is evidenced by previous survey results that recorded 40 per cent of employers rating workers qualified as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in 2018, a drop from 50 per cent seen in a 2014 survey.
“The survey findings reflect the frustration many employers feel,” executive director Danette Dalton said in a media release. “The results also highlight the need for additional programs to develop the skills of residents. Many employers are looking to grow their workforce and they require skilled and motivated staff.”
Dalton said that for some employers, the struggle to hire and retain staff is having a serious impact. Those effects include increased workloads for existing staff, reduced productivity and customer service, fewer opening hours, and putting expansion plans on hold.
“More than two-thirds of businesses said they transferred work to existing staff to make up for their labor shortage, which increases the risks of workers burning out or just leaving,” she said.
Forty per cent of employers said they didn’t get enough applicants to fill positions, while 33 per cent said those applying for positions lacked the necessary experience.
Additionally, 31 per cent said applicants failed to respond to job offers or show up for interviews.
The survey was completed by 249 employers in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations, and Mississaugas of the Credit.
Other highlights of the survey include about 80 per cent of local businesses indicating they anticipate hiring in 2023 to replace staff; almost 75 per cent of businesses lost staff in 2022, with 60 per cent listed as resignations, followed by terminations at 19 per cent.
Half of the said respondents retaining staff is more challenging than prior to the pandemic, while about 25 per cent said the inability to offer competitive wages and benefits impedes their ability to retain workers.
The board said many employers are increasing wages and benefits, providing more training, and lowering requirements for experience and qualifications to fill positions and retain existing staff.
Dalton said EmployerOne points to the need for skill development programs that allow business owners and managers to equip their employees with the know-how, confidence, and motivation they require to excel in their jobs.
“It’s in everyone’s interest to support local employers who are struggling with labor shortages, so we can continue to grow our workforce and build prosperity,” she said.