Finding skilled laborers can be tough in today’s market. However, instead of asking where to find general labor workers, it’s more important to know why general labor is scarce and how to hire skilled individuals effectively.
This is mainly because fewer people are entering the field. Moreover, more males dominate this industry, significantly reducing the talent pool. As more opportunities and technological innovations emerge, many young adults don’t see the importance of general labor. Unfortunately, the industry is now facing an aging workforce.
We’re here to tackle this issue further and help you hire general labor workers for your projects.
The Decline of General Laborers
A study published by the USG Corporation and the US Chamber of Commerce revealed that 95 percent of contractors are having a difficult time building a skilled workforce for their projects.¹ This coincides with a CNBS news report that said the construction industry faces a worker shortage of around 650,000 general laborers.²
These harsh labor conditions can have many implications for the world of work. Aside from creating delays in company projects, it can also cause logistical challenges. Without enough people, warehouses and distribution centers will struggle to meet the demands of their clients. Materials will take longer to deliver, which can create further delays in operation.
Even outside manufacturing and construction, industries that rely on general laborers are greatly affected. This includes the agriculture and farming sectors. The shortage of general labor workers can prolong the time needed to harvest crops. This leads to potential losses of perishable foods. It also increases the labor costs of employees available in the job market.
Reasons Behind Worker Decline
What does general labor mean? Simply put, it pertains to professionals who exert physical effort and basic skills. The tasks can range from loading and unloading materials to assembling products on assembly lines. Because of the nature surrounding the industry, it’s easy to distinguish the reasons and labor trends behind the shortage.
1. Stigma and Misconceptions
The most obvious reason is the perception toward general labor jobs. Even to this day, the roles are seen as low-skilled and temporary. Some even think the positions aren’t worthwhile since they think there’s no chance for career advancement.
As these misconceptions continue to propagate, many young adults are convinced to pursue degrees and other careers instead of exploring the skilled trades of labor. This significantly contributes to the aging workforce and the decline of available professionals for construction workers and laborers.
2. Aging Workforce
Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 19 percent of adults aged 65 and above are employed today.³ Meanwhile, the population of young adult employees peaked at 77 percent in 2000 and has gradually decreased since.
These statistics indicate that the entire workforce is aging. Due to old age and physical state, many workers can no longer fill general labor roles. This is especially true for positions that require heavy lifting or other strenuous activities. With not enough young people entering the field, labor centers and companies can expect continued difficulty finding the proper labor for hire.
3. Existing Skill Gaps
As technological advancements continue, many industries have adapted automation to perform repetitive tasks. AI can now accomplish basic responsibilities, leaving general labor workers needing new skills to adapt.
If this growing gap continues, workers may become disheartened to continue their careers in general labor. This may lead to even higher worker decline as they search for new opportunities.
5 Tips to Find General Labor for Hire
So, how can you hire general labor workers? Although there is a decline in the number of general laborers, there are still effective ways to fill your workforce with the right people. Explore these five tips to find general laborers for hire effectively
1. Hire from new demographics.
When it comes to increasing the talent pool, a straightforward way is to look outside the one you’re already tapping. This can mean hiring candidates from groups that aren’t traditionally your target audience. Some examples are women and veterans who might be interested in your open roles.
Once you’ve identified groups you want to target, reach out and gain access to the right platforms that cater to this new demographic. Ensure you provide a great candidate experience to help spread the word. This will ensure that you get the right people you need.
Read more: Women in Manufacturing: A Catalyst for Growth
2. Adopt an apprenticeship program.
Another way to find and retain general labor is to implement an apprenticeship program in your company. Identify talented employees who have the leadership skills needed to teach new workers. Convince them to participate by offering incentives for their added effort.
Apprenticeships are valuable since they align your company’s talent needs with industry standards. It can produce well-rounded workers who are knowledgeable about your processes and ready to step in anytime.
Although creating and running an apprenticeship program can be costly, you’ll save on hiring costs. Additionally, you’ll have the guarantee of loyal, highly skilled workers.
3. Differentiate yourself from competitors.
Finding ways to appeal to potential talent will help differentiate your company from competitors. This is especially important for the competitive environment of industrial labor hiring.
For example, since many blue-collar jobs are temporary or contractual, you can attract workers by offering better pay and benefits. You can also offer programs and training that could hone their skills and expertise. Remember that the goal is to provide a more valuable employee experience than other organizations.
4. Advertise upcoming projects at job fairs.
If your hiring needs depend on projects and contracts, your workforce demand will constantly change. If this is true for you, consider participating in job fairs and events related to your industry.
Job fairs provide an excellent opportunity to match your hiring needs with active recruiting periods. For those companies with apprenticeship programs already in place, job fairs targeting high school students are ideal events to attract young people. Even if you hire full-time general laborers, job fairs are still an effective way to employ the labor you need.
Read more: General Laborer Interview Questions
5. Hire an industrial staffing agency.
Staffing agencies for labor work, like Corporate Job Bank, have a database of available workers to hire for your projects as needed. Nearly 30 percent of Corporate Job Bank’s business lines are in light industrial practices. This includes construction labor, landscapers, welders, carpenters, and more.
Having these connections can add value to your hunt for top talent. Industrial staffing agencies can give you access to larger contracts and staff pools across states. It can even extend your clientele to both public and private sectors.
IDENTIFY TOP GENERAL LABORERS WITH CORPORATE JOB BANK
Remember that a single hiring tactic won’t ensure success. If you’re looking for the best, personalized solutions to your challenges, it’s best to discuss them with experts like Corporate Job Bank.
Founded in 1985, we’re a dedicated staffing firm that provides the right people you need. Freely scale your workforce based on your projects with our help.
Contact us today to maximize your staffing efforts!
References
- “USG + US Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index – 2017 Q4.” US Chamber of Commerce, 11 Dec. 2017, www.uschamber.com/economy/usg-us-chamber-commerce-commercial-construction-index-2017-q4.
- LaRocco, Lori Ann, and Natali Rose Goldberg. “The Iconic American Hard Hat Job That Has the Highest Level of Open Positions Ever Recorded.” CNBC, 19 Jul. 2023, www.cnbc.com/2023/07/29/the-hard-hat-job-with-highest-level-of-open-positions-ever-recorded.html.
- Fry, Richard, and Dana Braga. “1. The Growth of the Older Workforce.” Pew Research Center, 14 Dec. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/12/14/the-growth-of-the-older-workforce/.
