Skilled labor — or workers that have special skills, training and knowledge that they apply to their work — are a crucial segment of the workforce for organizations. These highly trained, educated and experienced workers are a necessity for the most productive bottom line possible.
Driving your business results is always the ultimate goal, and leveraging a skilled workforce is a reliable and effective way to get there. As this division of the workforce maintains importance, we’re taking a closer look at the industry snapshots of skilled labor your business should keep in mind moving forward.
What’s the importance of skilled labor?
Skilled workers have always been a key division of the workforce, and although the modern workplace has experienced significant transformations in recent years, these highly skilled employees remain essential. Leveraging this skilled labor has even helped companies see valuable benefits, which include:
- Cost savings: Skilled workers tend to demand higher pay for their qualifications, however, they are a worthwhile investment. They ultimately save organizations money in the long run, considering these workers will get the job done well — with minimal mistakes and high customer satisfaction.
- Improved safety and workplace wellness: Employees with the right experience and knowledge are less likely to make mistakes leading to injury. This can ensure your employees stay safe while avoiding significant costs associated with workplace injury along the way.
- Greater innovation: Workers with a solid understanding of what they’re doing are less worried about how they will accomplish work-related tasks — freeing them up to think innovatively and come up with creative solutions.
The need for skilled labor in today’s market
The pandemic was the catalyst for the rise of work-from-home opportunities, and a report from Upwork found that 73% of all departments are expected to have remote workers by 2028. However, this doesn’t always work for skilled-labor jobs — which are in high demand during a nationwide shortage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly eight million skilled-labor jobs were lost from the labor force during the pandemic. This mass exodus can be attributed to workers deciding to retire early, wanting to work from home and searching for less labor-intensive jobs. While about half of these positions have been filled, a considerable number of vacancies remain. As a result of these open positions, skilled workers are in high demand across industries — where this call for skilled labor is only furthered by technological advancements that require specific skill sets.
The future of skilled labor in the modern workplace
Because organizations are looking to fill open positions with highly-skilled employees — who are a boon to organizational efficiency and productivity — the need for skilled labor is expected to grow. However, the skills gap may leave a substantial number of vacancies unfilled — which can have a potentially significant economic impact. It will be essential for organizations to keep an eye on how the shortage of skilled labor progresses to fully understand and prepare for the organizational effects it might have.
As your business navigates the shortage and workplace war for skilled labor, you’ll need the right staffing support along the way — and Integrity Staffing Services can help. Contact us today to get in touch or learn more about the solutions you need to drive better business results.