Majority of Alberta businesses facing staffing shortages

According to a recent survey conducted by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) market research program, 62 per cent of businesses that participated in the survey, said they are facing a significant or moderate staffing shortage. 

"Furthermore, of those facing shortages, seven in ten (71 per cent) say those shortages are having a significant or moderate impact on production and sales opportunities. The scale of impacts from shortages has also increased substantially from July 2021," stated a press release from the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce.

In comparison, in July 2021, 48 per cent of businesses surveyed indicated they were facing a significant or moderate staffing shortage, with 52 per cent saying they only experienced mild or no staffing shortages. 

43 per cent of Alberta workers who were surveyed reported that they are experiencing at least a moderate staffing shortage, and mong those expressing a shortage in their employer organization, almost half (48 per cent) believe this is having an impact on sales and production.

Among the key finding that the survey which was completed by 482 businesses within Alberta in the summer found, was that almost half of respondents stated they are already or are considering hiring outside the province in order to meet labour shortages. Approximately 40 per cent also said that their workforce needs will likely increase in the next six months and 45 per cent expect this to be the case for the year ahead. 

"Three broad areas stand out as barriers to recruiting staff: a lack of applicants, the lack of candidates with the right qualifications such as interpersonal and technical skills, and a combination of wage-related issues including not being able to afford the going wage rate, budget constraints, and competition from other employers."

A sister survey was also conducted in August 2022, to identify perceptions of Alberta's labour market among members of the public living in the province who were currently working or had some potential to enter the workforce. According to that survey, between one in five and one quarter identified inflation and health care as the most pressing issue for them, replacing concerns about the economy overall as the top issue.

"A majority of the public believe it is not easy to find the kind of work people are qualified for and that the labour market is not as tight as described by employers."

However, the survey also found that large majorities of the workforce appear satisfied with their current skill set and are confident their skills will be relevant in the near future.