Where Have All the Workers Gone?

According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), the Yavapai County labor statistics demonstrate that in 2019, the total of Yavapai County’s labor force was 93,458, with a participation rate of 48% of individuals aged 16 and older. Participants aged 35-54 years represented the largest percentage of workers at 78.1%; with the second largest percentage being those individuals aged 25-34 years. If you follow the data, one would suppose we have a strong labor force to meet the growing demand for workers.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many have speculated about worker attraction variances. Unemployment insurance was a factor outpacing our local average wage; the pandemic, of course, played a huge role discouraging workers from returning to work for various reasons. Yavapai County responded with higher wages, now reported to average $20.98 per hour. Incentives were offered, such as paid tuition, sign-on bonuses, flexible hours and on-the-job training, with a current focus on skills-based hiring. Still, most industries are reporting anywhere from a 20-40% reduction in workers.

The math is simple: fewer workers = less production = less revenue. Some businesses struggle because of workforce shortages, while other employers are working on strategies to expand their capacity, allowing them to meet current demands for goods and services in order to achieve and maintain local demand.

I wish I had all the answers. I do not, but I do know that together we can make a difference. Industry by industry, we need to identify strategies to attract and retain workers to our beautiful towns and cities.

In Yavapai County, we have all the right ingredients for success – stellar public and private educational institutions, exceptional workforce development resources and, of course, location, location, location! Obstacles and challenges that affect the current labor market include:

• Vaccination and mask requirements
• Recreational cannabis
• Daycare challenges
• Transportation
• Affordable housing

However, every obstacle is the soil for opportunity!

Yavapai County Workforce Development Board, together with NACOG-EWD, is currently focusing our efforts on the healthcare industry growth cluster, including all related healthcare occupations to attract additional funds and human capital for this primary industry.

Yavapai County has many opportunities today for Next Gen workers. There’s no better time than now to explore your options and begin building your future and make a contribution to what makes Yavapai County a great place to live and work! QCBN

By Teri Drew

Teri Drew is the regional director for the Northern Arizona Council of Governments – Economic/Workforce Development (NACOG-EWD).