Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie’s newly released labour market plan focuses on change

BRANTFORD (March 3, 2023) –Some employers may need to adjust the way they think and act to avoid major labour market changes from hurting their business, says a new report. Change Leadership in Uncertain Times in Grand Erie lists increased retirements, reskilling, remote working and employees seeking better work-life balance as generational changes that can’t be ignored.

Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, which published the report, said being proactive and managing change is crucial “The struggles many employers are experiencing hiring new workers and retaining existing staff are not temporary,” Dalton said. “As we approach a new age in the world of work we must adapt, including adopting new attitudes and practices.”

Dalton said that that some companies have successfully shifted to the “new normal,” while other are still figuring out how to adjust. “Focusing on change leadership will encourage the development of new local policies and practices that put people first.” The report provides an in-depth analysis of trends in the labour market in Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and

Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties.

Among the more noticeable trends from 2022:

• A higher number of retirements, as the Baby Boomer generation leaves the workforce, something that’s been called a Silver Tsunami;

• An aging workforce that will lead to further retirements and skills shortages in many industries, including the trades, health care, trucking and farming;

• Workers wanting better work-life balance, choosing to devote more time to their families and nonwork interests to reduce burnout;

• Workers wanting a better quality of work, including looking for opportunities for additional training, advancement and to use all their skills; • More employees wanting to work from home, either fully or partially.

The findings are based on data for the Grand Erie region, including employment levels, the number of businesses and labour demand, as well as statistics released last year from Statistics Canada’s most recent Census. Dozens of businesses and community organizations also provided their insights, with another 250 employers answering the recent EmployerOne survey.

The 2023 Local Labour Market Plan can be found on the Workforce Planning Board’s website at: workforceplanningboard org/locallabour-market-information/ Dalton said the report is meant to lead to community actions

“The labour market plan isn’t meant to be a report collecting dust on a shelf. It is a catalyst for change, resulting in community projects designed to address current and future challenges,” she said

Past labour market plans have led to initiatives that have helped employers, employees and job seekers. This includes Grand Erie Jobs - the region’s largest online job board – Skills2Advance free job training programs, the Workforce Gateway and Newcomers Gateway information hubs, and a new self-guided career planning tool called Career Pathways.

The Workforce Planning Board, one of 26 non-profit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning, can assist employers and community organizations by providing them with local labour market data that can support their decision making Anyone looking for this type of support can reach out to the board.