In a rural area, even a small improvement in the local economy can quickly dry up the pool of job applicants.
The neighboring town of Woodward, Oklahoma, is benefiting from the boom in natural gas production and the many high-paying jobs that boom has created. Except that it is straining the supply of people in the local workforce. Now Woodward is looking at many unfilled openings.
This points up the problem not just with the number of people, but also with skills and training. An article in the local Woodward News explains:
But for everyone the real problem seems to be not just finding workers, but finding qualified workers.
These are people I know from my time with workforce development in Woodward. They told me five years ago that basic skills in math and reading are part of the issue. Many potential workers also get disqualified because of drug or alcohol related offenses in the past.
I don’t have any quick-fix solutions, but here are two important points, adapted from Charles Lawton.
1. Local education must teach skills needed in your area.
Start with basic reading and math and go from there. Small business people have to take the lead in tying education to business skills because we know what skills we need. Get involved in the local workforce development process.
2. Business has to look beyond wages
Notice in the Woodward News article, the only benefit discussed was wages. We have to also consider work/life balance, career paths, and other people issues. If you have trouble finding anyone, don’t just offer higher wages. Expand your thinking to make your jobs more attractive.
Tight workforce problems are too complex for a simple answer. I’m open to hearing your opinions and experiences.
New to SmallBizSurvival.com? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Get our updates.
- Downtown is your town’s core: How to make your case - February 22, 2021
- Zoom Towns: attracting and supporting remote workers in rural small towns - December 10, 2020
- In an economic crisis, spend your brainpower before your dollars - November 25, 2020
- Video: How to fill empty car dealership buildings for the holidays - November 6, 2020
- How has 2020 changed the challenges rural small towns face? Tell us here - October 20, 2020
- The Idea Friendly Method to surviving a business crisis - October 6, 2020
- Join me for the Rural Renewal Symposium online Oct 13 - September 26, 2020
- Cheap placemaking idea: instant murals - September 11, 2020
- Refilling the rural business pipeline - July 7, 2020
- Huge vacant buildings: grants to renovate? - June 9, 2020
