Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

Study finds employers working longer hours during employment shortage

May 2, 2023 | 5:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – In a study released by The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, it found small business owners are working the equivalent of an eight-day work week.

The reason, a shortage of workers.

More locally, Medicine Hat’s unemployment rate was fairly low in Medicine Hat in November of 2022 at 2.9%, especially in comparison to other parts of the province. But, a small business owner located in the downtown core finds it’s difficult to find workers for his men’s clothing store, called Labels.

“Trying to find those people to work in a retail shop, to work in a kitchen, at a restaurant, is challenging,” said Darin McKay, Labels store owner.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

6h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner

Dec 06, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

CHAT News producer makes 'emotional' return to Medicine Hat's old arena

Dec 06, 2024

McKay, who is also the chair of the Downtown Collective, says other downtown businesses are also struggling to find employees. In consideration of the increased foot traffic he’s also seeing and the few staff he has, McKay says the amount of work now required is sometimes overwhelming.

“Trying to fill those holes is something that we got to look towards in finding those employees that are willing to work,” said McKay.

The CFIB study mentions an aging population as the main reason for the worker shortage, with COVID-19 exacerbating the issue.

Steven Wong, the owner of Express Employment Professionals, an employment agency, says he finds that employers within Medicine Hat are struggling to find qualified or skilled employees who possess the right skills and attitude.

Wong says many factors are at play, but more work options could help.

“More corporations from employers doing that hybrid role, where they can work from home. Maybe a couple of days, and work in the office the other days. More retention strategies in of course compensation in terms of benefits and training, and encouraging the employees to grow within the organization,” said Wong.

The CFIB report says easing the temporary foreign work and immigration process, investing in automation through programs and tax credits, providing tax relief for older workers and more training programs could help.

As for McKay, he is focused on finding workers for the summer when the downtown area becomes busier.