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Why SWFL isn’t working: A deep dive into the local labor shortage

ABC7 took a deep dive into Southwest Florida’s labor shortage, exploring this “new normal” and highlighting what some businesses are doing to combat the labor struggle.

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Why SWFL isn’t working: A deep dive into the local labor shortage

ABC7 took a deep dive into Southwest Florida’s labor shortage, exploring this “new normal” and highlighting what some businesses are doing to combat the labor struggle.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — Two years into a global pandemic, by now, most of us have come to accept that life isn’t the same as it used to be. If someone told you two years ago that restaurants would have to alter their hours or close completely, simply because people stopped showing up for work, you might think they’re just full of hot air. But this is a new reality, and the many industries that keep America running are in the midst of a great awakening. ABC7 took a deep dive into Southwest Florida’s labor shortage, exploring this “new normal” and highlighting what some businesses are doing to combat the labor struggle. Slower service is the new normal Business is busier than ever at Cantina Laredo in Fort Myers, but General Manager Joy Duda said she doesn’t have nearly enough staff members to meet the increasing demand. It wasn’t always this difficult. When she first started working at the restaurant nine years ago, Laredo didn’t even have to advertise for open positions. Now, she’s lucky if someone shows up for a job interview. Where did all the workers go? The restaurant industry isn’t the only industry impacted by the labor shortage. At CareerSource SWFL, Amy Hannah-Eckenrode has a front-row seat to the problems facing employers today. She said one of the biggest factors is the small labor pool, brought on by mass retirements during the pandemic. Hannah-Eckenrode said jobseekers have the uppper hand for the first time in history. Labor shortages at Lee County’s largest employers Lee Health and the Lee County School District are hiring for hundreds of open positions. Both entities have lost employees to retirement and the pressures of the pandemic. Lee Health is hoping its specialized training programs will help entice more people to apply, while the school district is focusing on creating meaningful connections with its prospective employees. Offering creative incentives If you build it, will they come? At Scotlynn USA Division, Ryan Carter hopes the long list of workplace amenities will attract and retain quality employees. The company’s new headquarters in Fort Myers is equipped with a basketball court, a full gym, a walking path, and an in-house chef. Employees like Chris Neptune said all of that is great, but it’s the culture that keeps him coming back to work every day. Creating a positive environment Author and public speaker Laura Putnam said many people are feeling out of place at work. She said in order to combat overwork and burnout, employers need to put a greater emphasis on mental health. In her book “Workplace Wellness that Works,” Putnam discusses steps to creating a better culture. She believes connection, more than anything, is what will get us through this.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — Two years into a global pandemic, by now, most of us have come to accept that life isn’t the same as it used to be.

Advertisement

If someone told you two years ago that restaurants would have to alter their hours or close completely, simply because people stopped showing up for work, you might think they’re just full of hot air.

But this is a new reality, and the many industries that keep America running are in the midst of a great awakening.

ABC7 took a deep dive into Southwest Florida’s labor shortage, exploring this “new normal” and highlighting what some businesses are doing to combat the labor struggle.


Slower service is the new normal

Business is busier than ever at Cantina Laredo in Fort Myers, but General Manager Joy Duda said she doesn’t have nearly enough staff members to meet the increasing demand.

It wasn’t always this difficult. When she first started working at the restaurant nine years ago, Laredo didn’t even have to advertise for open positions. Now, she’s lucky if someone shows up for a job interview.

Where did all the workers go?

The restaurant industry isn’t the only industry impacted by the labor shortage. At CareerSource SWFL, Amy Hannah-Eckenrode has a front-row seat to the problems facing employers today. She said one of the biggest factors is the small labor pool, brought on by mass retirements during the pandemic.

Hannah-Eckenrode said jobseekers have the uppper hand for the first time in history.

Labor shortages at Lee County’s largest employers

Lee Health and the Lee County School District are hiring for hundreds of open positions. Both entities have lost employees to retirement and the pressures of the pandemic.

Lee Health is hoping its specialized training programs will help entice more people to apply, while the school district is focusing on creating meaningful connections with its prospective employees.

Offering creative incentives

If you build it, will they come? At Scotlynn USA Division, Ryan Carter hopes the long list of workplace amenities will attract and retain quality employees. The company’s new headquarters in Fort Myers is equipped with a basketball court, a full gym, a walking path, and an in-house chef.

Employees like Chris Neptune said all of that is great, but it’s the culture that keeps him coming back to work every day.

Creating a positive environment

Author and public speaker Laura Putnam said many people are feeling out of place at work. She said in order to combat overwork and burnout, employers need to put a greater emphasis on mental health.

In her book “Workplace Wellness that Works,” Putnam discusses steps to creating a better culture. She believes connection, more than anything, is what will get us through this.