Time to read: This is a long one. Maybe 2 minutes? I'm on my soapbox after a conversation with some clients.
I nerd out on employment data. I'm not so interested in numbers like unemployment rates, but rather I love to hear what's going on for people in the workplace - what they're thinking, what they care about, and how trends change over time.
Right now, I'm seeing help wanted signs everywhere. Friends report they are having trouble hiring for all kinds of jobs, including things like paralegals, servers, and carpet cleaners. Clients are pissed because their CEOs announced everyone will return to the office in September, no ifs, ands, or buts. The tide is turning, and power is shifting to employees. (If you want to nerd out, too, read this article in the New York Times.)
What is happening and what does this mean for you?
- Demographic and employment trends have been shifting for years. Even before the pandemic, record low unemployment meant that employers had to make workplaces more attractive and competitive.
- Post-pandemic, we're seeing a surge in demand as people make up for lost time (eat out! buy clothes!) and supply chains are a wreck. (Have you noticed that there is no food in the case at Starbucks?)
- Many people used the pandemic for professional development. Online classes. Training. Career changes. They now have options beyond restaurant work.
- Some people saw how vulnerable and expendable they were when the s@*&% hit the fan. They found themselves laid off with no options. Others had to continue to work in unsafe environments for fear of losing their livelihoods. They are pushing back.
- I've heard a lot of people wondering if they still want to be on the path they are on after 15 months of staring their mortality in the face.
- The pandemic exposed the weaknesses in our systems around childcare, other kinds of caregiving, wages, and forced many people (mostly women) to choose between work and kids.
The bottom line: People realized the value of their labor. They realized they are not expendable and deserve an equal energy exchange (money, respect, benefits) for their time and effort.
What does this mean for you?
As an employee, this is a great time to negotiate! What do you want? More flexibility? Work from home? A part time schedule? A pay raise? Training? A career change? A new city?
As an employer or manager, you have a unique opportunity to demonstrate how much you value your employees, what they mean to your organization and show that value by getting creative about what work will look like now. If you think it's just about money and bonuses, think again. Consider training. Growth opportunities. Flexibility.
These issues are complicated and experts do and will disagree. I'm an optimist. These changes are exciting, both for employees who will be valued and fairly compensated for their labor and employers who are ready to create the workplace of the future.
The Corporate Rebel Playbook for Returning to Life (and Work) is chock full of guidance on returning smoothly and effectively. Download your free ebook here.
Please email me and let me know what you think and what you're seeing. I always love to hear from you.
Be well.