I have the opportunity to visit with member companies in Southern California and now in other western states. There are two themes: “We cannot find paper!” and “We cannot find staff!”

The first is universal and is out of my reach. The second is an area with which, over the past couple of years, PIASC’s Employment Services team helped our members by providing a pseudo recruiting service as part of their membership. However, the pandemic and unemployment funding has turned this on its head. Not only are many workers preferring to stay home and enjoy the available unemployment benefits, but a growing number of workers have also decided that they want to change careers and/or industries. The shortage of staff that existed before the pandemic has only become exacerbated.

So, what do we do? First, we need to be honest about the situation. The reality is that the problem is not going to correct itself in the short term. When the unemployment subsidies end in the coming months, there will likely be an increase in the population of available workers. However, you will need to be very selective to ensure that you are hiring the talent you want. It is too easy to take the first person through the door, which often results in future costly issues. You always have a choice. I continue to emphasize the need for employers to review and improve their recruiting and assessment practices.