--- title: Where are all the workers? The labor shortage description: Workers, where are they? The virus has kept millions from working, but other factors are also responsible for the labor shortage. Learn to retain key staff image: https://blog.system4ips.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(300%20%C3%97%20175%20px).jpg --- [![system4 IPS logo ](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/s4ips%20logo.png?width=700&height=175&name=s4ips%20logo.png "system4 IPS logo ")](https://www.system4ips.com) Open main menu Close main menu [Resources](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/resources) [Commercial Cleaning](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/commercial-cleaning) [Best Practices](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/best-practices) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/tips-tricks) [Facility Services](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/facility-services) [Staffing](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/staffing) [Post-Pandemic](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/post-pandemic) # Where are all the workers? The labor shortage ![Monique Burgess](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png?width=45&name=Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png) [Monique Burgess](https://blog.system4ips.com/author/monique-burgess) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.system4ips.com/where-are-all-the-workers-the-labor-shortage) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.system4ips.com/where-are-all-the-workers-the-labor-shortage) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.system4ips.com/where-are-all-the-workers-the-labor-shortage) ![Where are all the workers? Labor shortage and staffing issues](https://blog.system4ips.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(300%20%C3%97%20175%20px).jpg) Covid-19, which began 30 months ago, is only partially to blame. Reported infections have plummeted, pandemic restrictions are nearly gone, and life is almost back to normal. However, this isn't true for the labor force. Millions of workers are out of work due to the virus, which reduces their productivity and hours. Businesses are disrupted, and costs rise. ## Covid-19 is still affecting absenteeism, but other factors contribute to worker shortage This year, the Labor Department estimates that nearly 630,000 more workers missed a week of work because of illness than in years before the pandemic. That equates to millions of lost work hours this year alone. Covid-19 has definitely had an impact on our workforce, but it’s more complicated than a singular reason. ![Reasons for declining workforce - November 2022](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%202.jpg?width=400&height=300&name=2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%202.jpg) Massachusetts recently reported the [fourth straight monthly decline](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-unemployment-job-estimates-for-september-2022) in the state’s labor force, and the largest since January 2021. The economy cannot expand without a growing supply of workers. An economist from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Michael Goodman, was interviewed by the [Boston Globe](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/21/business/mass-jobless-rate-fell-34-percent-last-month-hiring-expanded-labor-force-shrank/#:~:text=Goodman%20cited%20several%20factors%20that%20may%20be%20keeping%20people%20out%20of%20the%20workforce%3A%20inadequate%20day%20care%20capacity%2C%20a%20mismatch%20between%20the%20skills%20and%20interests%20of%20workers%20and%20open%20jobs%2C%20and%20immigration%20restrictions.%20Also%2C%20there%20has%20been%20a%20spike%20in%20retirements%20since%20the%20start%20of%20the%20pandemic.). Several factors may prevent people from entering the workforce, according to him: - **Inadequate day care capacity** - **Mismatch between the skills and interests of workers and open jobs ** - **Immigration restrictions ** - **Spike in retirements since the start of the pandemic**   During surges of infections, employers must keep more employees on payroll to ensure that work continues uninterrupted. They also need to cross-train staff and standardize processes to ensure that one person's absence does not slow down a project. Many companies have become inefficient as a result. And what about long Covid? Louise Sheiner and Nasiha Salwati of the Brookings Institution estimate that about [420,000 workers ages 16-64 likely left the labor force](https://www.brookings.edu/research/how-much-is-long-covid-reducing-labor-force-participation-not-much-so-far/#:~:text=Decomposing%20our%20total%20estimate%20into%20the%20effect%20of%20long%20COVID%20and%20the%20effect%20of%20remote%20work%2C%20we%20estimate%20that%20about%20420%2C000%20workers%20ages%2016%2D64%20likely%20left%20the%20labor%20force%20because%20of%20long%20COVID%2C%20with%20a%20reasonable%20range%20of%20281%2C000%20to%20683%2C000%20(0.2%25%20to%200.4%25%20of%20the%20labor%20force).) because of long COVID.   ## Which states and industries are suffering the most? According to [US Chamber of Commerce](https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/the-states-suffering-most-from-the-labor-shortage?state=), this is a national issue significantly affecting 18 states. Locally, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are heavily impacted, while Connecticut is faring a bit better. - [Massachusetts](https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/the-states-suffering-most-from-the-labor-shortage?state=ma#:~:text=Massachusetts%27s%20Worker%20Shortage%20Index) has 59 unemployed workers for every 100 open jobs. - [Rhode Island](https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/the-states-suffering-most-from-the-labor-shortage?state=ri#:~:text=Rhode%20Island%27s%20Worker%20Shortage%20Index) has 66 unemployed workers for every 100 open jobs. - [Connecticut](https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/the-states-suffering-most-from-the-labor-shortage?state=ct#:~:text=Connecticut%27s%20Worker%20Shortage%20Index) has 86 unemployed workers for every 100 open jobs. Which industries are most affected by the labor shortage? [![Industries most impacted by worker shortage](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%203.jpg?width=500&height=375&name=2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%203.jpg)](https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/understanding-americas-labor-shortage-the-most-impacted-industries)   ## During "maskless" winter, absenteeism is expected to rise A perfect storm may be brewing, known as the "triple threat": Covid and new variants, flu, and [respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)](https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html).  Due to two previous flu seasons of masking up, our immune systems have been weakened. In the coming months, [medical experts anticipate](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/02/covid-flu-rsv-winter-surge/) a spike in hospitalizations.   ![Absenteeism to rise - worker shortage](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%204.jpg?width=400&height=300&name=2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%204.jpg) These viruses, whether contracted by our schoolchildren or the aging population, result in increased absenteeism among our employees. Parents are missing work at record levels, says [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/11/15/work-absences-childcare/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioswhatsnext&stream=science). Whether parents are coming down with flu or staying home to care for elders or schoolchildren, businesses need to be prepared to handle these situations.   ## 15 Tips on how to Keep Top Talent As a result of a mass disabling event and other factors, the nation is facing a shortage of workers. There is no simple solution. The next big question is: How can businesses retain their workers? ![15 tips for retaining top talent - worker shortage](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%205.jpg?width=400&height=300&name=2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(400%20x%20300)%205.jpg) Companies save money and time by retaining talent. It costs an [average](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/shrm-hr-benchmarking-reports-launch-as-a-member-exclusive-benefit.aspx) of $4,683 to recruit a new employee, according to the Society of Human Resource Management. From “The Great Resignation” to “The Great Realignment”  and now “The Great Retainment”, knowing how to keep your workforce from jumping ship is crucial.   Built In, a leading online community for startups and tech companies, shares [their strategies:](https://builtin.com/people-management/employee-retention-strategies)   1. Create a positive workplace culture 2. Compensate well 3. Offer robust benefits 4. Support employee wellness 5. Provide flexible work arrangements when possible 6. Invest in strong leadership 7. Communicate and be transparent 8. Prioritize mentorship and employee support groups 9. Let employees be heard 10. Recognize good work 11. Share constant feedback with employees 12. Encourage career growth at the company 13. Give continuous learning opportunities 14. Use the latest tools and technology 15. Build a diverse work environment     --- Wondering about increased cleaning for your workplace?  Here’s a [comprehensive study](https://www.system4ips.com/why-increased-cleaning-is-actually-good-for-your-workers) that shows exactly what workers are saying about cleanliness. [![why increased cleaning is actually good for your workers](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7765152/99e911dd-f576-4247-adf0-b05a8de85063.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7765152/99e911dd-f576-4247-adf0-b05a8de85063)       ## Lacking janitorial staffing? **Concerned** about a staffing shortage and whether you are using the **right cleaning service for your workplace?** It's not too late to find the perfect janitorial team that will keep your workplace clean and safe. Look for solid custodian referrals and consult with [System4 IPS](https://www.system4ips.com/contact-us-about-your-cleaning-needs-and-our-janitorial-services-in-ri-ma-ct).  [![classroom.disinfection.system4ips](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/classroom.disinfection.system4ips.png?width=400&name=classroom.disinfection.system4ips.png)](https://www.system4ips.com/about-system4ips-janitorial-services) Which custodian or janitorial team is best for you? [System4 IPS specializes in creating customized janitorial programs that meet the unique need of businesses like yours!](https://www.system4ips.com/about-system4ips-janitorial-services) [![system4 IPS disinfects-jpeg](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/system4%20IPS%20disinfects-jpeg.jpeg?width=271&name=system4%20IPS%20disinfects-jpeg.jpeg)](https://www.system4ips.com/contact-us-about-your-cleaning-needs-and-our-janitorial-services-in-ri-ma-ct) If your workplace experiences a singular COVID-19 positive case or outbreak, call [System4 IPS](https://www.system4ips.com/) and schedule your disinfection service today. Our professional team listens to your needs, requirements, and timing. See our many [satisfied customer testimonials](https://www.system4ips.com/#Testimonials) and public [Google ratings](https://www.google.com/search?q=system+4+ips+north+kingstown+ri&oq=system+4+ips+north+kingstown+ri&aqs=chrome..69i57.77390j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8).         ![Monique Burgess](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png?width=150&name=Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png) #### Monique Burgess [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniqueburgess/) Monique is a seasoned public speaker, digital marketer, serial entrepreneur and global sailor. Her marketing strategies have contributed to multiple successful startup acquisitions, exponential revenue at publicly held high tech companies, and innovative sales programs at national organizations and franchises. She, her husband and two children are avid adventurers. They have sailed more than 35,000 nautical miles over two multi-year ocean voyages, spearfishing in remote atolls of the South Pacific, hiking volcanic calderas and living 1000's of miles away from modern civilization for months at a time. ## Related Articles [![Busy large office 14 signs your workplace is in need of a deep cleaning](https://blog.system4ips.com/hubfs/Blog%20Header%20Images/Blog%20-%20May%202025%20featured%20image%20(1200%20%C3%97%20675%20px)-1.jpg)](https://blog.system4ips.com/14-signs-your-workplace-needs-spring-deep-cleaning) [Commercial Cleaning](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/commercial-cleaning) [Best Practices](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/best-practices) [Facility Services](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/facility-services) [Property Management](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/property-management) [Maintenance](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/maintenance) [Floors](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/floors) [Carpet Cleaning](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/carpet-cleaning) [Spring Cleaning](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/spring-cleaning) [Allergies](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/allergies) [Deep Cleaning](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/deep-cleaning) ### [14 Signs Your Workplace Needs a Deep Cleaning (And Why It Matters)](https://blog.system4ips.com/14-signs-your-workplace-needs-spring-deep-cleaning) Deep cleaning is not just a springtime event — now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your workspace. If you're a small business owner, facility manager, or property... ![Monique Burgess](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png?width=45&name=Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png) [Monique Burgess](https://blog.system4ips.com/author/monique-burgess) [Read More](https://blog.system4ips.com/14-signs-your-workplace-needs-spring-deep-cleaning) [![Why Antimicrobial Coatings are More Important Than You Think - Blog - Article](https://blog.system4ips.com/hubfs/Blog%20-%20January%202022%20featured%20image%20(300x175).png)](https://blog.system4ips.com/why-antimicrobial-coatings-are-more-important-than-you-think) [Resources](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/resources) [Antimicrobial coatings](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/antimicrobial-coatings) [Disinfection](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/disinfection) [Commercial Cleaning](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/commercial-cleaning) [Facility Services](https://blog.system4ips.com/tag/facility-services) ### [Why Antimicrobial Coatings Are More Important Than You Think](https://blog.system4ips.com/why-antimicrobial-coatings-are-more-important-than-you-think) With regard to health and sanitation, the pandemic of 2020, 2021 and 2022 has taught us a great deal. Antimicrobial coatings were one of the first topics to... ![Monique Burgess](https://blog.system4ips.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png?width=45&name=Monique%20Burgess%20-%20blog%20author%20-%20avatar%20(hi-res).png) [Monique Burgess](https://blog.system4ips.com/author/monique-burgess) [Read More](https://blog.system4ips.com/why-antimicrobial-coatings-are-more-important-than-you-think) [![System4PS - logo - white (transparent)](https://blog.system4ips.com/hubfs/Images/logo/System4PS%20-%20logo%20-%20white%20(transparent).svg "System4PS - logo - white (transparent)")](https://www.system4ips.com/) **Rhode Island** 60 Romano Vineyard Way #110 North Kingstown , RI 02852 [(401) 615-7043](tel:(401)%20615-7043) **Connecticut** 425 Kings Highway East Fairfield CT 06825 [(860) 469-8175](tel:(860)%20469-8175) [Follow us on Facebook](https://facebook.com/System4IPS/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://twitter.com/system4ips) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.instagram.com/system4ips/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.linkedin.com/company/system4ips) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Monique Burgess", "url" : "https://blog.system4ips.com/author/monique-burgess" }, "dateModified" : "2023-02-14T16:16:48.889Z", "datePublished" : "2022-11-14T19:16:27.000Z", "headline" : "Where are all the workers? The labor shortage", "image" : [ "https://blog.system4ips.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/2022%20November%20Blog%20images%20(300%20%C3%97%20175%20px).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.system4ips.com/where-are-all-the-workers-the-labor-shortage", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.system4ips.com/hubfs/s4ips%20logo.png" }, "name" : "System4 IPS" } } ```