Question

Now that business are reopening, those that furloughed employees or in many cases, laid off employees at the start of COVID, are looking to hire back employees and staff up their business. In addition, many employees found other, higher paying work while they were out of work in the service industry. Now many companies are struggling to find employees to fill these lower open positions, which in many cases are lower paid that the new positions their old employees found.

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Requirements:

1. You must post a discussion thread highlighting your thoughts on the topic and addressing the questions below.

Discussion Topics:

1. Why are business struggling to hire employees now that business is starting to return to normal levels?

2. What do you think businesses could do to attract and recruit new employees now that business is starting to increase?

3. What role do factors other than pay play in attracting and motivating employees?

4. What impact does employee turnover have on employee motivation?

Answer 1

1. Business is struggling to hire employees now that business is starting to return to normal levels because of various reasons. Many employees found other jobs during the pandemic, some are afraid of catching the virus, some are taking care of children who are still at home due to school closures, and others have decided to retire early. Moreover, some employees are hesitant to return to work because they are earning more money from unemployment benefits than they would from their previous jobs.

2. Businesses could attract and recruit new employees by offering competitive wages and benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and flexible work hours. They could also offer signing bonuses, referral bonuses, and other incentives to encourage current employees to refer qualified candidates. Businesses could also provide training and development opportunities to help employees grow and advance in their careers.

3. Factors other than pay that play a role in attracting and motivating employees include job security, work-life balance, a positive work environment, opportunities for advancement, recognition and appreciation, and a sense of purpose and meaning. Employees want to feel valued and appreciated for their contributions, and they want to work for a company that aligns with their values and beliefs.

4. Employee turnover can have a negative impact on employee motivation. When employees see their colleagues leaving the company, they may become demotivated and feel less connected to the company. High turnover rates can also lead to a loss of institutional knowledge, decreased productivity, and increased costs associated with recruiting and training new employees. Therefore, it is important for businesses to implement strategies to retain their employees, such as providing opportunities for growth and development, recognizing and rewarding good performance, and fostering a positive work environment.