Pandemic risk: Experts examine shifting workplace environments and build worker retention|

These changes continue to echo throughout the state. Dennis Kaufman (professor and Department Chair Economics Department at UW–Parkside) and Rebekkah Kwalski (vice president of Manpower Manufacturing, workforce solutions company ManpowerGroup), weigh in on how the workplace looks today and what businesses can do to attract workers.

Kaufman and Kowlaski stated that the competition for workers has risen to a level they had never seen before.

Kowalski stated, “This is one the most difficult labor markets weve ever seen.”

Kaufman cited the increase in wages at shipping companies such as Amazon and ULINE that had been seen since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Kaufman stated that it is a highly competitive environment. Some firms have been very aggressive in meeting their employment needs.

However, just raising the pay does not guarantee that workers will be hired. Kaufman noted that many potential workers who had stopped working during the pandemic weren’t returning to work because of elder or child care issues.

Kaufman stated that it needs more attention. We should consider doing more to make it affordable for people who want to return to work.

Kowalski claimed that many companies now offer work plans that are based on the schedules of families with kids. This is something that would have been almost impossible to imagine before.

Kowalski stated that this is the sacred cow being toppled. It is important to consider how you will add flexibility to roles that were once considered non-flexible.

Kaufman says that online remote work, which rose so dramatically during the pandemic and could still be viable as businesses offer more creative options for workers.

Kaufman stated that we are looking for long-lasting changes. Workers who can work remotely are able to enjoy some of the same benefits as those who work in the office.

Remote work can have its benefits for workers, such as reducing commute time and possibly improving quality of life by staying at home.

Both Kaufman and Kowalski pointed out that employers had to do more than increase wages to attract workers to this labor market.

Kowalski expressed concern that we could end up in a wage-war, meaning that people will just move from one company or another because we havent done an effective job at keeping talent.

Kowalski stated that companies should consider how to retain workers who might be looking for a change of career.

Kowalski said that sometimes you can lose what you have. Attracting talent is just a fraction of the importance of retaining it.

In today’s market, remote work, flexible scheduling and child care are all options. Kaufman stated that some businesses offer paid training courses to their employees as workers realize they need to be able to adapt to changing times.

Kaufman said that if you are stuck with a set skillset that isn’t able to be upgraded or changed over time, then you might become obsolete before your eyes.

Kowalski stated that Wisconsin has done better than other areas of the country in the face of the pandemic, due to its flexibility.

Kowalski said that there is a lot of creativity in Southeast Wisconsin when it comes to thinking about pay and how to develop skills. We were a fairly scrappy bunch.

Kaufman stated that Kenosha will see quality of life improvements in Kenosha. However, these improvements will not be as tangible as they are crucial for attracting and retaining workers.

Kaufman stated that Kenosha did a good job in improving the lakefront area and making it a more desirable location.