Employers launch new hiring incentives to combat the labor shortage
New benefits are being created across various industries to combat the worker shortage and attract talent.
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Right now, in Shawnee, there are more than 40 banners, signs, posters or notices of some type trying to entice potential employees to apply within.
Shawnee Forward CEO Rachael Melot said there are many factors causing a gap in staffing.
Some include the eligibility of many folks to retire who took the opportunity during COVID-19.
Many entry level people took better jobs or more stable positions, she said, which opened up some entry level positions; and with many manufacturing plants restoring jobs — it seems everyone is hiring.
“We hear our business leaders are desperately trying to hire staff to meet the post COVID-19 demand for their products and services,” she said. “They are posting jobs on our job board, placing signs, hosting job fairs, etc.”
Pandemic recovery: Short-staffed Shawnee businesses seek help
She also said with much of the federal and state individual assistance running out, employers are choosing now to aggressively recruit and hire, hoping people are ready to return to full time work.
On Friday, Newton Wall Co. Warehouse Operations Manager Roy Turner said over the past several months the collection of job applications for potential employees has increasingly slowed.
“I try to take applications regularly and it’s hard to do right now,” he said. “We went from getting eight to 10 a week to being lucky to get two per week.”
Turner, who oversees hiring for Newton Wall’s warehouse, said after the COVID-19 pandemic began, staff stayed full until about October.
The warehouse typically employs about 80, he said, but is currently at 68.
“It’s because of all the free money,” he said. “They can make more staying home.”
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Turner said the situation of operating with a short staff won’t kill the company, but it does make it tough.
“Hopefully something will change soon” he said.
Whatever the reason for the overabundance of job opportunities right now, the bright side is that job-seekers should have no difficulty finding places to submit applications.
There is a large range of the types of businesses seeking help.
Three restaurants in the 1400 block of North Harrison were competing for applicants.
A sign at the McDonald’s at 1411 N. Harrison read, “Now hiring, starting at $11.25.”
Just across the street, at 1416 N. Harrison, Taco Bell is offering positions.
Maybe the average morning person isn’t especially excited to serve residents who are out for late-night taco runs; lucky day — there’s yet another option. Next door, at 1414 N. Harrison, Jimmy’s Egg is hiring.
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It’s a similar situation north of town at, and around, the Marketplace.
On the 4600 block of North Kickapoo, a Sonic Drive-In, Mazzio’s, McAlister’s Deli and Qdoba have notices out in an effort to bring in workers.
Just up the street, Sancho Ancho, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Taco Bell are looking for help, as well.
Some of the businesses that have multiple sites in town are so understaffed they need employees to fill gaps at some or all their stores, like Sonic, Taco Bell and Arby’s.
And there are many more — not just restaurants — trying to secure a full staff right now.
While most may assume the vacancies are all entry-level positions at fast food restaurants, that is simply not the case. Manager posts are being sought at places like Sonic and Schlotzsky’s.
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Almost half of the businesses with help wanted signs aren’t food related at all. Many options deal in retail, banking, grocery stores — even an armed forces recruitment office made the list.
Fred’s Tire and Battery and Hibdon Tires Plus need staffers right now.
The Homeland grocery at 2705 N. Harrison, and the Arvest Bank site at 4500 N. Harrison, are in need of employees.
Shawnee Cleaners and Laundry, Tener’s, Sally Beauty, Ross Dress For Less, Dollar Tree, also are among retailers seeking applicants for jobs.
Central Disposal, Mays Plus and Tractor Supply Co. have openings, as well.
Even many large chains, such as Sherwin-Williams Paints, Braum’s, Cricket, Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, Denny’s, Panda Express, Freddy’s Custard and Steakburgers, Rib Crib and Marco’s Pizza are seeking to fill gaps in staffing.
There are doubtless more jobs available than just at sites with visible banners out front.
Advertising on Facebook, The Lunch Box, at 217 E. Main, also is hiring.
As of press time, other calls and messages for comment had not been returned — and many of the businesses included in this story are corporate-owned and would/did not choose to share comment.
For story ideas, questions or concerns, reporter Vicky O. Misa can be reached at vicky.misa@news-star.com.
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