Now hiring signs now everywhere

Now hiring. The signs are everywhere. Many businesses hit hard by the pandemic are seeing customers return, but increasingly they are having a hard time meeting the demand because of a lack of staff. Restaurants, hotels, amusement parks and entertainment venues are seeing a surge in business, but can’t attract enough employees to meet that demand. We’ve seen it locally, where some popular restaurants are open reduced hours or closing one or two days a week just because they can’t attract enough staff. There are a lot of factors at play. Particularly in those industries, potential employees are fearful to work there because of all the public contact. Some who lost their jobs or saw their hours cut have found employment elsewhere. But another likely factor is the $300 per week federal unemployment benefits, which coupled with state unemployment benefits allow many to make more by not working than they could by going to work every day. That federal boost is scheduled to last until September, so the shortage of workers may not ease anytime soon. In the meantime, companies are hosting job fairs, increasing starting pay and accelerating bonuses. Many hospitality businesses are offering starting pay at up to $16 per hour. The good news is, there may have never been a good time to look for work. If you have some time on your hands, many local businesses would love to hear from you.