Small, mid-sized, or large – businesses across Canada are facing similar challenges. The top of the list is finding qualified workers. This is the case even when wages and benefits including a shorter work week has been introduced. Employers are also losing employees due to increases in salary from competitors. Employees are leaving at a high rate to make career and life changes as well.
One of the factors that is impacting finding qualifies workers is a chronic skilled workforce shortage in the country. Canadian employers invest approximately one third of the amount of dollars for training and reskilling workers as other industrialized countries around the globe.
A necessary measure for companies to utilize is the identification and then upskilling of its employees. Think tanks across the country are indicating that 9 out of 10 jobs in Canada will require digital skills – that includes occupations in all of the trades.
For businesses of all sizes to thrive an increased investment in upskilling of its current workforce is required. Many businesses are at the forefront of hiring people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. A key issue is having people from other countries have their certifications and degrees recognized in a much shorter time frame. Businesses of all sizes need to engage with the political structures at the municipal, provincial and national level to have the time frames become shorter.
Businesses also need to realize that the expectation of employees bearing all of the costs of going to work once a job offer has been accepted are now out-dated. Creative solutions involving increased measures to ensure well being including mental health and safety benefits are at the forefront. Some businesses are even offering employees apartments for temporary dwelling spaces to reduce commute time.
Bringing back former employees as contingent workers is on the rise. Companies are also keeping employees who now in over 70 years of age as part of remaining vital and dynamic in an ever changing landscape.
Which areas has or will be adapted by your business to ensure you are able to have a qualified workforce?
Book an appointment with me to discuss how to maintain your staffing needs.
Marie-Helene & Effective Placement & Faery Godmothers
