It is no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the amount of labor being accomplished by the workforce.
As the end of the year approaches with holidays around the corner it is that time of year where jobs are in high demand.
People in need of extra cash in their pockets for the holidays join on board as seasonal workers to help keep up the demand.
Companies are in desperate need to find employees capable of working several hours in labor jobs this holiday season.
The best long-term solution to solving the need for labor workers is to increase the number of workers and decrease the number of hours given to workers during the holidays to prevent employee burnout.
The current unemployment rate is at 6% representing approximately 9.7 million Americans actively seeking jobs. Reasons, why the unemployment rate is increasing in percentage over the years, is a result of the labor shortage specifically in service industries and in retail.
Some service industries limit their worker’s hours to minimize the amount of time and stress they put on their employees. With mental health being a highlighting concern throughout the pandemic it has proven itself successful due to the company being able to succeed amidst the pandemic.
During the Progressive Era, jobs were created for expanding economic growth in highly populated cities with people in need of work. Henry Ford brought the expansion of mass production in the early 20th century which led to Fordism.
The belief was that eight-hour shifts would lead to more success among the workforce. It seems as if it’s time to touch back on that idea and restructure work hours for physical labor workers.
Businesses all over the country are being affected and there are implications that this will affect the economy soon.
According to the New York Times, “It could act as a brake on growth and cause unnecessary business failures, long lines at remaining businesses, and rising prices.”
Arguably, the increase in unemployment and need for employees during the holiday season is attributed to stimulus payments. In states where the cost of living is very affordable, it is possible to live off of government aid instead of working a minimum wage job.
The younger generation of workers is in no way interested in working eight hours five days a week with only two days off. The best way to resolve this issue is to increase the population of the workforce by giving labor workers flexible schedules.
Although it seems very untraditional for labor workers who have served in the workforce for years. It is finally time to consider that the workforce must work adapt to the aftermath of COVID-19.
The upcoming generation of labor workers must feel a larger sense of motivation and responsibility to get out there and do their part in their community for faster economic recovery this holiday season.
The long-term solution to the shortage of physical labor workers will not be solved overnight. It is important to adapt to this new normal so that we may see hope soon for the workforce.
Eventually, COVID-19 will not be a reason why you don’t want to work somewhere in the community. There is no better time to start than now with seasonal workers this holiday season.
It’s time we all do our part in our communities like the generations before us have all done. By introducing this solution while it is not as risky we can see how it will result by next year.
This may be the best shot we have towards economic recovery to seeing workers handle working as they once have before the pandemic. This will also increase the younger generation’s work experience and benefit them for future careers.
