Continuing from where we left the discussion on finding solutions for 13 Reasons That Help Explain the US’ Labor Shortage, Open Jobs, and Not Enough Workers (businessinsider.com), the next reason in the article is

High demand for jobs that offer flexibility

The article quotes, “According to one survey of 10,000 knowledge workers from Future Forum, workers want flexibility in both location and schedule.”\

The Future Forum survey further highlights the following points:

“The overriding theme: workers want flexibility and are willing to walk if they don’t get it. Some of the findings: 

—76% of those surveyed want flexibility on where they work.

—93% want flexibility on when they work.

—56% are open to new job opportunities that may provide them more flexibility.

—21% are likely to jump ship to get that flexibility.

—Flexibility is second only to compensation in the factors leading people to change jobs.

—Black, Hispanic and Asian-American workers are more desirous of flexibility, and far more open to changing jobs to achieve it.”

A Harvard Business Review article by Brian Kropp and Emily Rose McRae published on Jan 13, 2022, talks about 11 Trends that Will Shape Work in 2022 and Beyond.

And one of the trends is “DE&I outcomes will worsen in a hybrid world without intervention,” which directly links with the last point highlighted by the Future Forum Survey.

So what is the solution? Flexibility is a thorny issue that will require careful navigation as some roles still require physical presence, and either wage levels will have to increase to a level that will create enough labor supply, or the labor pool will require expansion via re-skilling, upskilling, labor migration to areas of demand, and relaxed immigration rules. For roles that can be performed remotely, employers will have to find the right balance as some might be able to hire and retain employees with a “remote always” ethos as that is part of their DNA. In contrast, others will have to dance around the hybrid model and figure out the right rhythm for the micro-managers and free-spirited employees simultaneously.