Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1008743
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m A u g u s t 2 0 1 8 • I NSIGH T | 37 [continued ] » "If the employer can't deliver more than just a paycheck, Generation Y seems to be passing on those companies. I've known Generation Y workers (ages 20-35) who would rather be unemployed than work for an employer who didn't share their values." — Anthony Snyder, CEO, Fox Valley Workforce Development Board construction, everything," says Kristine Hillmer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. With the low unemployment rate, "everybody's fighting for the same workers," Hillmer says. In addition, restaurant margins are so thin, increasing wages is not an option for many — especially seasonal ones like Ardy and Ed's. Davis says he usually has about 25 employees return each year, but "the last three years is where we really started to see the challenges. We were always proud of the quality of people we could hire, and they were pretty loyal to us." Loyalty, however, is another generational change employers are seeing. Today's younger workers — Generation Y (aka the millennials) or Generation Z — have different values than their parents, says Anthony Snyder, CEO of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board. "While pay and benefits are always going to be a factor, it seems to me that a younger worker seeks an employer that shares the values and culture of the job seeker," says Snyder, adding younger workers may seek more freedoms, such as flexible hours, work-life balance and the ability to volunteer during the day. "If the employer can't deliver more than just a paycheck, Generation Y seems to be passing on those companies," Snyder says. "I've known Generation Y workers (ages 20-35) who would rather be unemployed than work for an employer who didn't share their values." at's a viewpoint perhaps older generations didn't share. Where are they working? If the younger generation isn't working in entry-level retail, restaurant and other service jobs — jobs typically filled by this demographic — where are they working? "Today, I know teenagers What do you do when your "go-to" pool of potential workers — teens and college students — dries up? "It creates challenges on the business side. You have to be creative when you're looking for staff," says Kristine Hillmer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. She recommends searching beyond traditional avenues, such as posting jobs on social media or using referral programs with existing employees. Anthony Snyder, CEO of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, says employers need to expand their pool of job candidates. "The local workforce boards, as well as several state agencies, have a huge pool of potential candidates that could be a great fit if employers are willing to be more flexible and more open," he says. Snyder offers a few areas where businesses may find additional workers: The formerly incarcerated. Someone with a history of incarceration continues to have a tougher time finding a role than most. He estimates 8,000 to 9,000 inmates are released from Wisconsin prisons each year. "One of the best ways to keep them from reoffending and solve many employers' labor issues would be looking for ways to integrate these employees into your business." Older workers. "From a workforce development perspective, we consider this age 55 and above. We have many older workers who want to work and stay active, but they aren't interested in full time or mandatory overtime. Sometimes, they face physical limitations that may not allow them to stand for long periods of time or lift exceptionally heavy items. Is there a way for a service establishment to take one full-time role and break it up into two to three part-time positions that might work with this age group?" The former stay-at-home parent. "If a mom or dad stayed home to raise a family, they've likely allowed a 15-year (or longer) gap to appear in their resumé. Can an employer look beyond this gap to bring these individuals back into the workforce?" Individuals with disabilities. "Our area has an amazing team of individuals who work with those experiencing a wide range of disabilities. With some simple accommodations, a person with a disability and a strong desire to work could be an excellent addition to your team." Expanding the pool of workers Hillmer