Grocers looking to hire for the summer months will be operating in a competitive environment with a tight labor pool across the entire retail industry.
A study by Snagajob found that there are 1.9 open jobs for every 1 available worker, while unemployment reached its lowest level in 52 years as of April 2022.
However, many workers are looking for change, and companies who can offer the right opportunities will be well-positioned to fill out their staffing needs.
Snagajob’s survey of 3,000 hourly workers found that 59% are considering changing jobs to a new industry where their skills match. The firm suggests that companies should be open to workers whose skills match their needs even if their experience doesn’t — an associate with customer service experience from a restaurant can apply the same principles at a grocery store, in other words.
WHAT EMPLOYEES DEMAND IN 2022
According to the aforementioned study, the top three benefits jobseekers seek these days are:
- pay rate (77%)
- location (67%)
- flexible hours (66%)
Grocers can’t just focus on one aspect and need to create a package that combines all three. Pay can vary from region to region, though 14% of respondents reported earning $15 to $15.99 in their previous job, and location isn’t something that can be easily changed, of course.
Flexibility is an area where companies looking to stand out can really shine, according to Snagajob.
Jobs should emphasize their flexibility beyond the work schedule alone, though that is still an important part of the offering. Incentives like rotating tasks (such as cashiering one day, handling deliveries another) can make a job feel more interesting and flexible attire can make potential workers feel more comfortable in the position.
STRONG INCENTIVES A NECESSITY
Grocers also need to be prepared to offer strong incentives even for seasonal workers, according to Snagajob. A full 87% of teenagers are looking for work this summer, and many are seeking temporary jobs for some spending money before they head back to school, but they still have high expectations for what those jobs provide.
“For seasonal businesses who rely on students to fill vacant roles during the summer months, this year may be a bit of a mixed bag,” said Tom Quinn, Growth Marketing Manager at Snagajob. “While relaxed restrictions and more relaxed attitudes towards coronavirus may result in more student applicants being available than in the past two years, changing economic factors mean that those applicants want more from their summer jobs.”
KEYS TO BEATING OUT COMPETITORS
Grocers also should expect more competition from their peers, according to Snagajob.
More than half (51%) of respondents said they are finding more flexibility in their work schedules now than two years ago. Another 51% cited receiving higher pay rate, while 45% are seeing improved working conditions and health standards.
Ultimately, offering more pay, flexibility and benefits are just the foundation of a wider hiring strategy, according to the firm.
Times are changing and grocers will need to revise their existing strategies to truly thrive in this harsh job market. Snagajob’s suggestions include exploring new candidate pools that may not have been targeted pre-pandemic and adjusting job postings to emphasize qualities like fun and contributing to a positive corporate culture.
