In preparing for this year’s Labor Day Special, I decided to see what I wrote last year.
Ironic that while 2020 was the most volatile year in my lifetime, that the concept of “labor” and how we are living at least in North America hasn’t changed much in 12 months. In fact, my missive reads as true today as it did last September.
What we find in 2021 is a whole lot of businesses struggling to even find labor. Companies want employees, but can’t seem to corral and keep them.
The McDonald’s near my house has a giant sign out front begging people to apply at a starting wage of $15 per hour. The local destination grocery store had to shut down the barbecue silo and hamburger stand due to lack of employees to make the food, not the demand for it.
We might all have opinions about why this is the case. Regardless of the reason, we are still in flux with the concept of “labor.” We see a growing number of people willing to take a chance on their own as entrepreneurs, be it a full-time venture or a side hustle.
The bottom line moving forward is that the concept of “labor” not only remains constantly changing, but almost certainly will remain that way for the near future, and not just because of COVID.
My crystal ball tells me that we will continue to see people finding ways to create their own revenue for themselves, and employers are going to have to become both more creative and value-driven to attract employees.
As we embark on National Preparedness Month, it would behoove employers to be prepared for a new breed of employee that will hold them to higher standards and return of their investment of time and effort. It’s not just about money; it will be about opportunity, flexibility, and lifestyle.
Quote of the Week:
“What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.”
~ Ellen Glasgow (20th century American novelist)
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