Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1370374
22 PalletCentral • May-June 2021 palletcentral.com A nyone who operates a business today does not need to read the paper or watch the news to know that we are in the midst of a national workforce shakedown. Traditional approaches to attracting, hiring and retaining talent are ineffective, and need a fresh look if an employer has not done so lately. In addition to the shortage, recent government economic impact checks spurred by the pandemic have also slowed the pace of viable workers returning to work. What is an employer to do in these interesting times? According to Gene Marks, the time is now for businesses to start investing in alternative ways to decrease workforce dependency. From drones to robotics to software, there are ways to accomplish some tasks that would alleviate the need for people. Marks, a certified public accountant turned business strategist, owns Marks Group PC that provides technology and consulting services to mid- to large-sized businesses. He has written for e New York Times, e Washington Post, e Hill, e Washington Times, e Philadelphia Inquirer, e Guardian, Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine, and authored five books on business management. He is also a well-received speaker at the annual NWPCA Leadership Conference. We spoke with him to gain insight to solve the workforce issues facing the pallet industry today. Issue at Hand "e biggest problem is pretty obvious, finding people," says Marks. "is is combined with a very high demand for products on the business side, making the fulfillment of orders more and more difficult from a staffing challenge perspective. " "We are telling our clients, first, to leverage all the one-time tax benefits that the government stimulus offers. In order to rehire people, businesses will need to keep up with more popular benefits to compete with larger companies who will offer them. e rising level of labor costs is a fact, and will TECHNOLOGY WORKENOMICS TECH By Caryn Smith Business strategist Gene Marks shares his insight into the current labor shortage and how 2021's best technology solutions can help reduce its impact. continue into the Biden administration. e trend for minimum wage rising will continue. Overtime wages will increase. ere are no easy remedies and trends are not going to reverse," says Marks. Furthermore, many of the rules are tightening. Independent contracting rules are becoming more rigid. Marks advises it is better to bring employees on full-time, instead of as independent contractors. It is getting easier for industrial workers to unionize and workplace relations are being scrutinized at every level. In the busy next few years, effective and employee-focused workplace standards will rule the day. Boast the Benefits To win at staffing, a company must provide stellar, and even unique, benefits. In an industrial setting, that may mean implementing benefits that would typically be found in more corporate environments. "Work from home benefits are huge right now. With the pandemic proving its effectiveness, workers now expect it," says Marks. For industrial workers like pallet companies, office staff can enjoy work at home benefits, but for employees on the production floor, management may have to get creative. Looking for benefits that serve individuals and families, like flexible work hours, expanded personal leave days, free lunch programs, one Friday off a month, or others, convey to your team that you care. "To me, the required benefits are health insurance and retirement. Going beyond what the government says is basic health insurance, such as the Obamacare basics, provides leverage as an employer. Offering retirement plans gives tax benefits to employers while also providing for the future of your workforce, which increases company loyalty and retention." "Younger employees will expect all of it, one to two days of work at home time, plus the best of health insurance and retirement. ey also will look for student loan assistance, which is a hot benefit right now. Some hourly workers are demanding same day pay. Some payroll platforms will offer employers the