BC Chamber Labour Survey
From labour shortages to significant skills mismatches, British Columbians will ring in Labour Day against a backdrop of labour challenges — according to a recent BC Chamber MindReader™ survey done in partnership with the BC Government, which canvassed business leaders across BC.
Survey highlights:
Two-thirds of BC businesses had positions that were difficult-to-fill in the past year.
- majority of difficult-to-fill positions were for higher skilled or senior positions,
- Nearly one-quarter (24%) of businesses had middle or senior manager positions vacant for over six months,
There was a diversity of specific skills mismatches
- the most common gaps in job-specific technical skills (57%) and other direct on- the-job experience (46%)
- Customer service experience gaps were common for over one-third (37%) of respondents
- leadership skills mismatches were common for just under one-third (31%) of respondents.
More than half of respondents indicated they were increasing wages (56%) and/or benefits (52%) as a strategic tool to retain staff.
- working conditions and business culture: nearly two-thirds (63%) focusing on improving working conditions to retain staff.
3 clear and significant trends have emerged from this report:
- Severity of labour shortages: employers in most regions and industries of the province are challenged with recruiting and retaining quality staff due to the robust provincial economy and corresponding “tight” labour market;
- Significance of skills mismatches: with nearly three-quarters (72%) of employers indicating they routinely hire less-qualified employees and train them on-the-job, there is a clear need to improve the alignment of (skilled) labour demand and supply in B.C.
- Emphasis on local recruitment: considering the current severity of labour shortages, it is notable that most employees continue to focus recruitment efforts on the local/community labour market rather than recruiting more aggressively from other parts of B.C. and Canada.
Current BC Chamber policies to address labour challenges:
Improving Apprenticeship Completion Rates (2018),
Manufacturing – a Skilled Workforce (2017)
Supporting Labour Needs of Today and Tomorrow (2017).
READ FULL SURVEY RESULTS
Whistler Chamber February Advocacy in Action Member Input Session
The Whistler Chamber hosted the first Advocacy in Action roundtable discussion of 2022 on February 17th. The meeting, which was held virtually, was well attended by representatives from a diverse set of Whistler businesses.
Working to Make Business Better – Chamber Advocacy
Let’s dive a littler deeper into some details regarding Chamber advocacy.
How to Create a Consistent Customer Experience
The Whistler Chamber has recently announced the lineup for the Whistler Experience training program, which serves as a tool to provide effective and affordable training to workers throughout our resort town.
Whistler Chamber November Advocacy in Action Member Input Session
The Whistler Chamber’s monthly Advocacy in Action meetings continued last month, with the October 19th discussion joined by local MP Patrick Weiler and representatives from across the Whistler business community.
Whistler Chamber October Advocacy in Action Member Input Session
The Whistler Chamber’s monthly Advocacy in Action meetings continued last month, with the October 19th discussion joined by local MP Patrick Weiler and representatives from across the Whistler business community.