In today’s competitive job market, many industries are grappling with a significant shortage of workers. Even though some sectors show signs of recovery, the janitorial industry and other low-wage sectors are still facing major challenges due to ongoing labor shortages brought about by the pandemic.
This article explores three key trends that are making it difficult to find and keep janitorial staff.
Trend #1 – The Great Reshuffling
Much has been said about the “Great Resignation,” where over 50 million workers left their jobs in 2022, following nearly 48 million the year before. Although the number of resignations has slowed slightly, with 30.6 million by October 2023, the story is more complex than it seems.
While workers are leaving their positions, the rate of hiring has actually been higher than the quit rate since late 2020. This shift is especially noticeable in janitorial jobs, where many workers are moving on to different industries or roles that offer better pay. What we’re seeing might be more accurately described as “The Great Reshuffling” in low-wage sectors, as employees seek out new opportunities.
Trend #2 – Decline in Legal Immigration
Data from the Census Bureau reveals that net international migration to the U.S. only added 247,000 people to the population between 2020 and 2021. This is a steep drop of 76% compared to the peak increase of 1,049,000 people between 2015 and 2016. This sharp decline in immigration is particularly concerning for the janitorial industry, where immigrants make up 38.2% of the workforce. If this trend continues, it could lead to even greater difficulties in filling positions within the coming years.
Trend #3 – Challenges in Female Labor Force Participation
Although female labor force participation is generally on the rise, significant challenges remain. In the spring of 2020, 3.5 million mothers left their jobs, causing a sharp decline in participation rates from about 70% to 55%. While many women have returned to work since February 2020, the participation rate still hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels or the all-time high of 60.2% in early 2001.
One major barrier to reentering the workforce, reported by 27% of surveyed women, is the need to care for children or other family members. This poses a significant challenge for the janitorial industry, where over 53% of the workforce is female, making it crucial for companies to find ways to attract and retain this important demographic.
Strategies for Moving Forward
Successfully hiring janitorial staff in this environment requires a proactive and strategic approach. Companies should focus on attracting new talent while also ensuring they retain their best employees. This can be achieved by offering competitive wages, providing more workplace flexibility, and fostering a strong company culture. By recognizing and adapting to these underlying trends, businesses in the janitorial sector can better position themselves to meet these workforce challenges head-on.
