by Fred Kenney, Executive Director, Addison County Economic Development Corporation Labor force shortages continue to be foremost for every employer. The factors that got us to where we are developed over a long period of time and were exacerbated by COVID-19. The shortages are driven primarily by individual and family choices, such as early retirements. These are choices that are difficult for policymakers to impact and results that are difficult to change.
What policy makers can do is make resources available for programs that will attract new workers and families to Vermont and retain those that have already chosen Vermont as their place to live, work and play. This can include incentives to relocate to Vermont and programs to help with workforce housing, childcare, and to maintain and enhance our built environment and improve the amenities that families desire.
They should also empower the Regional Development Corporations to facilitate connection-building across public and private labor force stakeholders to improve alignment, collaboration, insights, and strategies on the regional level.
Businesses cannot wait for policymakers to act.
There are short-term and long-term steps businesses can take to improve your chances of finding and retaining talent. In the short-term: Pursue talent from previously untapped pools such as retired, veterans, historically underserved populations, and justice-involved or previously justice involved individuals (see “Hidden Workers: Untapped Talent”); adjust wages and benefits and offer non-wage incentives; onboard and train quickly; be flexible with scheduling while ensuring adequate hours; work with service providers that can provide wrap-around services for employees; and develop a strategy to keep your employees (i.e. stage rewards).
There are long-term strategies as well: Make workforce planning a higher priority and an executive conversation; identify your best workers quickly and have career paths ready for them; invest in industry engineering (i.e.: how can jobs be combined and wasteful steps eliminated); partner with community resources such as ACEDC, Chamber, Addison County Workforce Alliance, high schools, Career and Technical Centers, colleges, and others to interact early and often with students and ensure they are building career pathways that provide the training and skills you need.
For an example of potential partnerships in Addison County, check out our Highlighted Partner for this newsletter (see below): Middlebury College. Middlebury has several programs that partner with the community and local businesses to help you succeed and provide hands-on experiences for students.
The Addison County Workforce Alliance recently held a Financial Reality Fair for young adults to learn about budgeting and lifestyle choices. Thanks to the dozens of volunteers and presenters who provided real world advice and offered services and employment opportunities for the participants. You can see photos and video from the event via the links below.
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