Local service industry struggles to find workers

Carmen Dillman, Lamp writer
August 30, 2021

Now that a “new normal” is starting to form, many businesses are searching for employees to help them kickstart business once again. However, many businesses are struggling to find the help they are looking for.

Morgan Huett, assistant manager at Caribou Coffee on MacArthur Avenue, says she’s been having to overwork some of her employees due to a shortage of workers. Unfortunately, this has caused even more of a shortage for her.

Engrained Brewery, a restaurant near Scheels, has actually had to shorten the number of days and hours it is open. Now it is closing Mondays and Tuesdays because it is not being able to keep up with demand.

As for the reason why there is currently such a lack of workers is highly debated.

Ryan McCrady from the Sangamon County Growth Alliance said there are many factors playing into why people are choosing to stay home now versus getting out to work. A major rumor circling is that people are making more by staying home because of COVID benefits and support than they would be at work. The second factor he addressed is that it is a hard time for parents to go back to work as they would have to find a daycare for their children to go to. The last factor he listed was that many people changed industries during the lockdown, referring to this as the “Great Resignation”, meaning more people left jobs in the food and hospitality industry for more of their dream jobs.

Caribou, Gymnastics and Cheer Zone, Engrained, along with many other businesses in town are looking for workers and strongly encourage everyone to get back in the workforce while they can because McGrady said, “They’re never gonna pay more than they do now!”

Some Springfield Teens and Young Adults have accepted this challenge.

Ellen Selinger, nanny and babysitter, enjoys her work due to “the flexible schedule while in school as well as being able to have an impact in the life of a toddler.”

Mara Arisman, who has worked at Scheels for about 7 months now, said she is employed because she “needed a job to keep my gas tank filled in order to participate in school activities.” Yet through having this job, Arisman said she learned valuable and essential life skills, such as the importance of hard work and management skills.

However, other young adults feel now is not the time to be working. Ramon Jimerson, a competitive high school baseball player, said he simply doesn’t have time for a job due to his busy schedule. Sharing that opinion is Briana Huelsman. Recently unemployed, she said she iss not working so she can have time to focus on applying to college.

Nevertheless, if you feel you are in need of a job, many businesses across town would be happy to employ you.

Here’s a list of some businesses currently hiring in Springfield: