Why Today’s Horticulture Labor Shortage Is More Complex Than You Think
Labor shortages throughout the horticulture industry have been a continual problem to contend with over the last several years. The global pandemic has exacerbated the issue, not only in controlled-environment agriculture, but in many other industries as well.
A recent blog post from HC Companies notes that there has been much speculation as to the root cause of the continuing labor shortages in the horticulture industry, from a lack of interest in the field to low wages to the physical demands required of workers.
But a recent article in The Washington Post suggests that it’s not a labor shortage, but rather a great reassessment of work in America.
The HC Companies post notes that in early 2021, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey in which it was discovered that 66% of the unemployed had seriously considered changing their field of work, a far more significant percentage than during the Great Recession. Fast forward to October 2021, and it seems many are still pondering their next move in the workforce, with a record-breaking 4.3 million Americans quitting their jobs in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Even manufacturing and construction – which have seen incredible growth during the pandemic – saw weak hiring, with manufacturing losing 18,000 jobs and construction holding flat.
As the post notes, “Many reasons can cause labor shortages. But our recent global pandemic has changed the mindset and behavior of millions of qualified workers who are now exploring career options outside of their usual comfort zone. For businesses, the reality of this evolving workforce may require them to create a better trajectory for career growth, more desirable working conditions, and even automating more of their operation to keep up with demand.”
Read the entire post here and let us know what you think by commenting below!
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