Hiring Report, plus best practices for attracting “hidden” workers

Highlights

Overall, hourly jobs are up 193% compared to pre-pandemic norms, seeing a 9% month-over-month gain, and a 61% year-over-year growth. Google searches for hourly jobs are up 21% from this time last year.

Although job growth is steadily increasing month-over-month, you’re not alone in feeling anxious as summer hiring season arrives. A vast majority of US businesses continue to have a difficult time hiring for open positions. 

In a recent Snagajob survey, we asked nearly 200 small- and medium-sized US businesses if they’re understaffed. Over 93% responded “yes.” 

So what can you do to find qualified candidates? Here are some suggestions for broadening your talent search into labor pools you may be underutilizing or missing out on completely.

• Generation Z: Those between the ages of 18-25 were just getting into the workforce when the pandemic began, and have limited social engagement and networking with fellow workers. To speak to their needs, start by listening. Emphasize how you understand their situation and their vulnerabilities, and that you’ll help them connect and engage with other workers via team outings and other in-person socialization.

• Returning mothers: Working around their children’s schedule is critical, so be open. Consider a hybrid model, including offering flexible hours, remote work, shared jobs between two or more, and unpaid time off. Also, be understanding when work conflicts do arise and allow mothers to forgo shifts without consequences. 

• Those with disabilities: Attracted these skills workers begins with highlighting accessibility at your business, proximity to public transportation, and other factors that reduce friction. Also, show enthusiasm and stress dignity. Work-from-home opportunities can also be highly appealing. 

• Non-violent criminal offenders: “Second chance” hires can be among the most engaged and productive workers. Step one in attracting this untapped workforce is reducing interview steps that automatically disqualify them. Simplify hiring to the basics: Are you authorized to work? Can you do the job? 

• First-time hires: Teenagers are notoriously impatient, so attracting young workers takes accelerated hiring. Streamline the application and communicate early and often to ensure you stay on their radar. Using video also helps, as teenagers are accustomed to getting information digitally.

In related news, with many women hesitant to return to the job market, US businesses are finding ways to recruit in this underutilized market. This includes offering women larger pay raises than men. Female wages were up 4.4% year-over-year last month, compared to a 4.1% increase for men.

In other hiring news, to help offset rising gas prices related to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, both Uber and Lyft are assisting workers by adding a fuel surcharge of up to .55-cents on each ride and food delivery. These added fees will go directly to drivers.

Month-over-month hourly hiring job trends include:

• Largest gain: Retail (+6%)

• Smallest gain: Warehouse & Production (+2%)

Gas prices continue to impact hiring, as hourly workers question whether jobs with long commutes or for shuttling people/food delivery are worth the effort and expense. If you’re like most US businesses, and looking for additional workers to staff up for summer, consider broadening your talent pool to include “hidden” workers that many companies are failing to uncover.

Jobs

All industry data is from 3/2/20-3/22/2022

Here are the latest overall job numbers:

Overall hourly jobs are up 193% compared to pre-pandemic norms, seeing a 9% month-over-month gain, and a 61% year-over-year growth. Google searches for hourly jobs are up 21% from this time last year.

Here are the latest job numbers by industry:

Food & Restaurant jobs are up 44% compared to pre-pandemic norms, seeing a 3% month-over-month gain, and a 13% year-over-year growth.

Hotel & Hospitality jobs are up 52% compared to pre-pandemic norms, seeing a 7% month-over-month gain, and a 1% year-over-year growth.

Healthcare jobs are up 118% compared to pre-pandemic norms, seeing a 3% month-over-month gain, and a 28% year-over-year growth.

Retail jobs are up 59% compared to pre-pandemic norms, seeing a 6% month-over-month gain, and a 30% year-over-year growth.

Warehouse & Logistics jobs are up 613% compared to pre-pandemic norms, seeing a 2% month-over-month gain, and a 178% year-over-year growth.

Workers

Google searches for hourly jobs are up 21% year over year.

The bottom line

We’ll continue to be your best resource for hourly job market insights as we collectively navigate towards our new normal and beyond.

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