The help wanted signs are everywhere. What happened to all the workers?
There is not a single industry that is not affected by the lack of willing and capable earners. This issue is not just isolated to the restaurant or retail shops. It is also an issue with teachers, medical professionals, attorneys and the like.
This may be directly or indirectly the result of Covid 19. Maybe people are long-haulers and cannot work. Maybe people are still afraid to work. Maybe their employment demanded vaccinations or else they would be terminated. And, maybe, Covid 19 shut downs and restriction on working caused people to pause and look at their work – home life balance more carefully.
If you are an employer, you must look beyond the salary and tangible benefits. This is a time to also reevaluate what you can offer your employees in the way of the work-home life balance.
Employers should find out from the candidates in their field what it is that they want out of the company, the type of work they want to do and the hours.
Of course money and benefits are important, but people of all ages, would like to have a life outside of their work and a more enjoyable time while they are working.
Employers will find that they are more successful in hiring talented people if they pay attention to:
- Competitive salaries and benefits
- Reasonable hours
- Flexible hours
- Reasonable expectations
- Work from home days if possible
- Collegial atmosphere and
- Diversity in their work force.
The issue does not just end with the interviewing process.
In order to keep their employees, employers should make sure that they have not lost sight of the above-list. If you state you have a collegial atmosphere, then make sure your work place is a friendly place where people work cooperatively. If you say you want diversity in the work place, mean it and strive for that diversity of talent. And if your industry permits it, allow your employees flexible hours and the opportunity to work from home.
I would be remiss if I did not remind employers, you cannot ask questions during an interview in Illinois regarding prior salary or marital status or criminal history.
If you have any legal questions regarding the hiring process and what employers can and cannot do, please contact Kristin Tauras at ktauras@mckenna-law.com.