We’ve all seen them – the “help wanted” signs posted in business windows and even the “we’re sorry” notes, apologizing for long waits and reduced hours due to worker shortages.
Despite what was anticipated as a tough spell ahead for workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, by some measures, 2021 has turned out to have some surprisingly positive outcomes for workers. There are record job openings, strong wage gains, new benefit packages and increasingly flexibly workplace policies.
But the picture isn’t quite so bright for employers, which ultimately is bad for employees.
For starters, an estimated 200,000 establishments went out of business because of the pandemic.
Many of those remaining face significant struggles, including finding the workers they need, adapting to new and changing safety standards, and revising workplace policies and compensation packages to meet employees’ desires for increased flexibility and other workplace changes.