Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie survey shows employers not happy with talent pool

Mounties Report

BRANTFORD (April 25, 2023) – A growing number of employers say they are unhappy with the talent pool of workers available in the area

A Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie survey of employers conducted in January found that 70 per cent rated the availability of qualified workers as ’poor’ or ‘fair. ’ The other 30 per cent rated the availability as either ‘excellent’– just 4 per cent of the total – or ‘good. ’

And satisfaction ratings have been declining over the years, the board says. Five years ago, 40 per cent of employers rated the availability of qualified workers as ‘excellent’ or ‘good,’ which was lower than the 50 per cent seen in 2014’s survey. “The survey findings reflect the frustration many employers feel,”

Executive Director Danette Dalton said “The results also highlight the need for additional programs to develop the skills of residents Many employers are looking to hire and grow their workforce and they require skilled and motivated staff.”

In some cases, difficulties hiring and retaining staff is seriously impacting businesses, Dalton said. This includes increased workloads for existing staff, reduced productivity, reduced customer service, fewer opening hours, and even the shelving of business expansion plans

“More than two-thirds of businesses said they transferred work to existing staff to make up for their labour shortage, which increases the risks of workers burning out or just leaving,” she said

When asked why positions were hard to fill, 40 per cent of businesses said they didn’t get enough applicants and 33 per cent said applicants didn’t have enough experience. Meanwhile, 31 per cent said applicants didn’t show up for interviews or respond to job offers.

The 2023 EmployerOne survey was completed by 249 employers from Brantford, Six Nations, Mississaugas of the Credit, and Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties. It was the first year for the survey since 2020, just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some other EmployerOne highlights:

• Almost 4 in 5 businesses said they anticipate hiring in 2023, with the overwhelming No. 1 reason being to replace staff;

• About 3 in 4 businesses lost staff in 2022, with 60% of those being quits, followed by dismissals at 19%; • Almost 1 in 2 businesses said it is more difficult now to retain staff than prior to the pandemic;

• About 1 in 4 businesses said they have trouble retaining staff because they cannot offer competitive

wages/benefits.

Many employers have stepped up their efforts to hire for hard-to-fill jobs and retain staff in multiple ways, according to the survey. This includes increasing wages/benefits, providing more training and lowering experience and qualification requirements

Dalton said EmployerOne points to the need for skill development programs that allow business owners and managers to equip their employees with the know-how, confidence and motivation they require to excel in their jobs, she said.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to support local employers who are struggling with labour shortages, so we can continue to grow our workforce and build prosperity. We hope EmployerOne sparks vigorous dialogue and leads to the innovative, collaborative workforce strategies and actions. This is just a start.”

More results from the 2023 EmployerOne survey, including a video, can be found on the Workforce Planning Board’s website: https://workforceplanningboard org/e mployerone-2023/

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Grand Erie