Stay in the know. Subscribe to Currents
CurrentManage

Will the Nation’s Supply Chain Issues Affect Blue-Collar Work?

2 Mins read

Over the past few years, countries across the globe have been caught in an economic whirlwind, grappling with issues such as inflation, strained health infrastructure, and manufacturing struggles to meet high demand with limited supply. Throughout this time, blue-collar workers emerged as the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, garnering well-deserved recognition for their hard work. Still, their heroic efforts were not (and have not been) adequately rewarded with the necessary monetary compensation or improvements in working conditions their services deserve.

The crisis in the blue-collar workforce is causing significant damage to the American economy, with consequences such as bare store shelves, exorbitant prices for essential goods and services, delayed deliveries, and a shortage of skilled labor. Weak points in any part of the supply chain affect the availability of goods, prices, and — ultimately — the job prospects of blue-collar workers.

According to economist Gad Levanon, demographic trends such as baby boomer retirement, more young people pursuing post-secondary education, and declining a labor force among young men without college degrees have resulted in disappointing participation rates for crucial demographics. Blue-collar workers face real challenges due to economic instability. It’s disheartening to witness the consequences of influential decisions that don’t consider the difficulties faced by many of these workers navigating through challenging economic circumstances.

Compassion in action

The volatility brought on by the pandemic has aggravated already-present issues faced within the shipping industry, notably, freight costs. Distributors are now facing even more demanding challenges, including rising fuel costs, maintenance expenses, facility closures, understaffing, and other operational overheads. 

These market conditions have made it difficult for distributors and shippers to plan and execute effective transportation strategies, causing a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. As a result, trucks are often stranded on highways and ports, leading to late shipments and increased transportation costs.

Apart from supply chain issues and hyperinflation affecting various industries, there is also an underlying labor shortage. Moreover, poor working conditions and deficient health plans have resulted in a higher risk of injury and illness for workers, leading to reduced productivity and job satisfaction. The pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, and many blue-collar workers have left the workforce indefinitely, finding they can earn the same or even higher wages by staying home.

The key to addressing the blue-collar workforce predicament lies in enacting measures that make the workplace more appealing. A potential strategy to achieve this is to rebuild the devalued blue-collar, manual services, and care workforces by creating a safe and comfortable environment with appropriate health and safety measures. In the same vein, employers can negotiate with top health companies to provide cost-effective employer plans that meet the health needs of employees.

Additionally, flexible work arrangements such as surprise paid time off after stressful business periods and accommodating workers’ schedules can be vital in retaining blue-collar employees. Employers can also provide perks like bonuses, profit-sharing, or stock options to show appreciation for their workers. Finally, employers can show empathy toward workers’ challenges by offering transportation benefits or subsidies and on-site amenities like food, health, and wellness services.

Jason LaMonica is the Chief Operations Officer of Spec On The Job, overseeing operations and managing recruitment. With a diverse background in marketing and construction, Jason found his calling in staffing after being approached by a company. He is proud of the company’s unique interview process and focuses on providing top-notch services to clients. For Jason, the most rewarding part of his job is being part of a team that is always improving and evolving.

Supply stock image by Matt Gush/Shutterstock

Related posts
CurrentMarketingSales

How to Redefine Your eCommerce Business With Composable Commerce

3 Mins read
Composable commerce is a development approach that allows you to choose the best-of-breed commerce components and combine or ‘compose’ them into a…
CurrentMoney

Navigating Tax Season and Beyond: Essential Tips for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

3 Mins read
As tax season approaches, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face a crucial period that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Whether…
CurrentTechnology

9 Counter-intuitive Trends in AI

3 Mins read
The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is full of unexpected developments that often defy our initial intuition. The interesting part of what…