As you stroll downtown Naperville or visit businesses throughout our region, you will likely see an abundance of “Help Wanted” signs. This workforce shortage is not unique to Naperville nor is it unique to this post pandemic era.
According to U.S. Chamber of Commerce data, employers looking to fill open positions are experiencing a labor market that is nearly three times tighter than it has been on average over the last two decades and eight times tighter than it was 10 years ago.*
To significantly move the dial toward a more accessible workforce, it will take employers looking at hiring and maintaining workers through a new lens and concrete policy changes at the federal, state, and local level. The NACC will be reviewing what possible policy changes would support employers in securing needed workers. Some policy solutions we are reviewing include:
- Tax incentives for investment in training programs and innovative technologies that match individuals more accurately with the job requirements.
- Government grants and loans to support an employer’s ability to invest in talent creation.
- Incentives for public-private partnerships that develop talent based on “in-demand” jobs specific to individual communities.
- Investment in research and analysis to accurately pinpoint barriers and gauge effective strategies that bring about viable solutions.
- Expanding access to childcare for working parents.
- Review immigration policies to support international recruitment of workers in high demand jobs.
The NACC continues to explore the most effective strategies to advocate on behalf of our business community and we encourage open discussion that allows us the framework to provide employers real solutions that support an accessible workforce.
As always, please reach out if you have questions, comments or need more information on this or other policies impacting our business community.
More resources on policy positions of the U. S. Chamber can be found at:
https://action.uschamber.com/iSHGtp6
