Challenges to filling open positions during a pandemic
An employer research study has been commissioned by the ConxusNEO Board of Directors to understand employer experience in recruiting and retaining talent since the onset of the pandemic. In partnership with Team NEO, a survey has been created and roundtables will occur to gather information directly from Summit, Medina and Portage County companies that represent manufacturing, healthcare, I.T., business/finance and transportation/distribution/logistics.
Senior HR leaders should complete the survey by November 29, 2021. It should take 7-10 minutes to complete and answer questions related to:
- Changes to your recruiting and retaining efforts
- Reasons top candidates decline job offers
- Enhancements to workplace culture
Survey results will be available to participants and will inform employer roundtables which will be held in December, 2021. Learnings from the survey and roundtables will be used to inform a community-wide effort in early 2022 to increase the numbers of open positions filled for high-demand positions. This research study is supported by the State of Ohio Industry Sector Partnership grant awarded to ConxusNEO and regional stakeholders are currently developing a plan to expand the study throughout northeast Ohio.
In addition to the employer research study, a working age adult research study will be conducted by the Center for Marketing and Opinion Research (CMOR). A literature review commissioned by The Fund for Our Economic Future is informing our understanding of the root causes for a lack of job applications during the present tight labor market. Beginning December, 2021, a survey will be administered and focus groups will be conducted with a random sample of residents in Summit, Medina and Portage counties where we will learn about the challenges and experiences residents face as a result of the pandemic when seeking, securing and maintaining work.
Learnings from the survey and focus groups will be used to help employers, educators and community leaders address major challenges in the talent ecosystem and develop a community action plan to connect jobseekers to information and resources that will help them prepare for and enter the workforce. This research study is supported by the State of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through the Summit and Medina Workforce Area and regional stakeholders are currently developing a plan to expand the study throughout northeast Ohio.