Dive Brief:
- U.S. employer thirst for hiring is at an all-time high. All 12 industry sectors and all four regions of the U.S. surveyed for ManpowerGroup’s employment outlook reported their highest hiring outlook since the survey began in 1962. For the report, employers in 43 countries and territories were asked about their hiring intentions for Q4 2021.
- Both white-collar and blue-collar jobs anticipate payroll growth in the next three months, most notably: information (+62%), financial services (+58%), transportation & utilities (+58%), construction (+56%), professional and business services (+54%) and wholesale and retail trade (+49%).
- Hiring intentions jumped greatly within the pandemic era alone: 23% since Q3 2021 and 34% since Q4 2020.
Dive Insight:
The changes are noteworthy because a June 2021 report by The Conference Board confirmed labor shortages in blue-collar industries, such as the food service, transportation and supply chain, construction and cleaning industries — despite elevated unemployment rates.
Throughout 2021, big names in retail and food service have been grasping at ways to draw in more talent. This year, Kohl’s held its first non-seasonal hiring event. Chipotle opened its arms to 15,000 potential employees through hiring fairs, including a one hiring event via Discord. Pizza chain Donato’s resorted to "dinnerviews," where potential candidates could snap up a free large post-interview pizza.
Becky Frankiewicz, president of ManpowerGroup North America, said in a press release that the firm anticipates the hiring sprees will continue into 2022. "Although headwinds including the delta variant and talent shortages may impact how these intentions translate to jobs created, we are still in a worker's market," Frankiewicz added. "Businesses know they have to get creative to attract and retain the best skilled talent."
The ManpowerGroup survey is notable context for the U.S. hiring fervor. More U.S. employers than employers from any of the other 42 countries surveyed told ManpowerGroup they’re relying on financial incentives as talent lures. That was almost half (42%) of U.S. employers surveyed, compared to the respondent average of 31% globally. Additionally, 38% of U.S. respondents are dangling the carrot of scheduling flexibility to new hires. U.S. employers surveyed are also offering non-financial benefits, such as bonus vacation days (21%).
The proof is in the pudding. This year, Dollar General brought on 50,000 new hires ahead of its Labor Day 2021 goal. Shortly after, the company announced its offer of $5,000 sign-on bonuses, along with perks like the allowal of a pet "co-pilot," to CDL drivers hired through January 2022. Likewise, Amazon bumped up its hourly pay to more than $18 as it sought 125,000 fulfillment and transportation new hires. Kroger also increased its hourly pay back in June, ahead of seeking 10,000 new workers during its job fair.
