Peter Cappelli asserts it is time for a sharp realization by the human resources profession. He says employers are trying to hire a lot of people to fill their earlier layoffs, and they struggle to hire the people with the skills and experience they want fast enough at the wages they want to pay. That is not a labor shortage.
Cappelli believes there are just under 22 million potential job seekers against 8.1 million openings.
Source: Human Resource Executive, May 26, 2021. Link. The problems employers are having now result in large part from earlier choices to prioritize the short-term savings from layoffs versus the longer-term benefits of a fast rebound.
Many <job seekers> are not serious about getting a job, but many job openings are not serious, either. The requirements or pay are unrealistic, the recruiting efforts are not serious and the companies aren’t interested in hiring people who are currently unemployed.” – Peter Cappelli
INSIGHTS: Cappelli is not talking specifically about animal health. However, his comments are important as we seek to expand personnel to meet the demand for animal care services.
Boarding and training remain a challenge when short staffed. Consider hiring three people instead of two to allow current staff more opportunity to do a good job of bringing new staffers into the team. Meeting churn, burnout and flexibility needs may benefit with retention of current staff and clients <Link>.
Also see: Is HR doing enough about rising burnout rates? Human Resource Executive, June 1, 2021. Link. Burnout keeps building for employees after a year of pandemic-related anxiety and isolation, heavier workloads and little to no time off.