It’s no secret the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of so many Americans. It has changed the way that people live their lives. Its impact is visible in different aspects of our society.
One area where it made a significant impact is on the workforce. Data shows that about 9.6 million Americans lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.
It’s been more than a year since the start of the pandemic. The effects of the loss of jobs are still affecting the country. There’s a major worker shortage.
Read this article to learn more about the worker shortage and how it affects you.
Behind the Numbers
There are a lot of people who are still unemployed. The latest unemployment numbers show that as of April 2021, there’s a 5.8% jobless rate.
This is an issue that’s affecting the whole country. There are states where the issue is more significant. California, Hawaii, and New Mexico have the highest unemployment rates.
The Extent of the Labor Shortage
The labor shortage is affecting different areas and industries. You might have noticed how many restaurants are reducing their hours. You might have also noticed how a lot of restaurants went out of business within the past year.
There aren’t enough available workers. The employees who do have jobs are being stretched thin. Many of them are leaving because they can’t handle the pressure.
You might have heard on the news how restaurants are dealing with the job shortage. Many restaurants are using robots to take customers’ food to the table.
Other sectors of the hospitality industry are suffering too. Hotels across the country are trying to hire more employees now. As more people are seeking to travel, hotels want to make sure they are ready.
The airline industry is also suffering. When the pandemic started, a lot of airline workers were laid off as traveling stood at a standstill. Airlines are trying to hire back their former employees to avoid having to cancel flights.
What’s Behind the Country’s Worker Shortage
What’s contributing to the worker shortage? In reality, there’s no labor shortage. Employment recovery takes time.
As the country opens back up for business, people who lost their jobs will start to find employment. These people will either return to their previous job or find a new one.
Actions must be taken to address the country’s worker shortage. Employers must raise their wages. This will help to attract new employees.
The government is trying to address this issue through an incentive. It’s called “America Works”. Suzanne Clark, the President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, states that the worker shortage is a crisis.
The hope is that this incentive can help to mobilize people to reenter the workforce.
Addressing the Worker Shortage
The country is facing a serious worker shortage. This is an issue that must be addressed so the economy can improve. Americans need to get back to work.
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