VBF-Jan 12, 2023
Happy new year to all of our Members! We kicked off 2023 with a solid attendance, including some of our newest members. It was unanimous that we are all happy to be starting off a new year with COVID not being the primary focus. We began the discussion getting regional updates from Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, and the Greater Vancouver Area.
The weather in December posed a big challenge to many businesses. Workers were not able to get in to work due to the large amounts of snow, and safety was a big concern both for customers and staff during the snowstorm.
Throughout all of the regions, labour shortages continue to pose major challenges to leaders. Some leaders reported not seeing any interest in job postings. Potential employees are demanding wages that workers with much more experience would normally command. To attract staff, leaders must present a compelling package, not just higher wages, including additional vacation days and benefits such as access to an office gym. Leaders are having to find more creative ways to present desirable packages for potential staff to join their team.
Some existing staff express that they are expected to return to work but would prefer to work from home or use a hybrid model. Their colleagues are picking up more work in the office for those who don’t come in. Even with wage increases, leaders are finding that their workers are still not being able to make ends meet.
There was a fair amount of discussion around the concept of a 4-day work week, and it was agreed that we would dive deeper into this topic by dedicating a Virtual Breakfast Forum to this discussion. One member is already offering a 4-day work week. It was reported that with the change in their schedule, potential retirees remain longer in their position.
Our next Virtual Breakfast forum is being held on January 26th, with a presentation from Skill Trades BC. This forum will be open to guests as well.
On February 16th, Amit Golan from CKF will be hosting the first in person Breakfast Forum in several years. This forum will have a mandatory registration, please register early. This will include a facility tour: attendees will be asked to bring steel-toed boots and safety vests.
