Do people want to work?

It is such an interesting time in our country. 

The labor issues we are experiencing in the U.S. are not exclusive to our country.  I witnessed them first-hand in Mexico. 

I recently took my family to Cancun for a long overdue, much needed vacation.  We just needed to get away.  And it was fantastic – my biggest concerns for each day were (1) not getting sunburnt (I’m very fair skinned) and (2) which pool to visit.  And ensuring I ate as much fresh avocado/guacamole as possible.  I was very grateful to have the time to rest and recharge. 

But while I was lounging on a pool-side chaise under an umbrella, I noticed that the resort was running with a very lean staff.  Where there should have been 5 or 6 in any given area, there were maybe 2.  Service was slow.  Most of the staff members I talked with had been with the company for less than 1 year.  The Mexican hospitality industry is slowing arising from the ashes of the pandemic. 

Once we landed back home at Columbus airport, we had another interesting service-related experience – the line to board the parking lot shuttle was the longest I’ve ever seen.  There was 1 bus running, which seats 12 people max per run.  After about 20 minutes in line, a 2^nd bus was added.  I just stood there shaking my head.  While other people in the line were expressing frustration at the long wait time, I was feeling sad and defeated.  I don’t know the exact amount per hour those drivers are making, but I’m confident it’s not enough.  And that’s why there weren’t enough employees to run shuttles that night. 

I really dislike the phrase, ‘no one wants to work.’  And I’m hearing it constantly right now.  I dislike it because I don’t believe it.  People want to work – they also want a compassionate employer, opportunity for growth, and to earn a respectable salary. 

It is time.  Time for a dramatic increase to the federal minimum wage.  Time to pay a livable wage for all jobs. 

In HR, we say that the key to pricing jobs is to determine the position’s value to the organization.  In sectors such as hospitality or food & beverage, employees tasked with maintaining cleanliness are pretty darn important.  Who wants to eat in a restaurant with dirty tables and floors?  If you use the restroom at a retail store and it is untidy, don’t you notice?  Doesn’t that affect your experience, even if just a little bit?  But we continue to insist on paying those employees meager wages.  The system is just not sustainable.  Employees are demanding better, and it is high time they should. 

I have nothing against those who want to be software architects, dental hygenists, and HR professionals.  I encourage it.  But no matter what, we’re going to need people to drive shuttle buses, take out the trash, and serve food.  These “menial” jobs are essential.  We all rely on them.  And it’s time they are paid accordingly.  Folks should not depend on tips to live.  Customers should not be guilted into giving service staff extra money after paying for the goods/services they’ve requested. 

I love America.  I want to see everyone do well.  But this ocean-sized gap we have between the socioeconomic classes continues to widen daily and it has got to stop.  I do not begrudge any person their success or wealth.  My own father is a ‘rags to riches’ story and I could not be more proud.  When business owners/executives claim that a $15 minimum wage will force them to close yet they live a higher-priced lifestyle, that is concerning.  We have to push for the ocean to become more of a river. 

One suggestion I have is to help the small businesses out.  When I was a small business owner, I was floored by the ridiculous little taxes and fees that were imposed on us, many before we even opened our doors!  Stop the madness and allow small business owners to put their capital into people.  Build up the business before it’s nickeled and dimed to death. 

To my fellow HR pros, I see you and I applaud your efforts over the course of the pandemic.  Please take care of yourselves.  If you haven’t planned to take time off yet, please do so ASAP.  Because the future is bright, but the road will be rocky.  Stay tuned!