New survey reveals biggest barriers to employment in the region

As West Michigan continues to struggle with a labor shortage, a new survey is shedding light on the biggest obstacles to employment for workers. More than 60% of respondents cited inadequate wages as a primary employment barrier, with child care and transporting school-aged children being among the top barriers for parents.

The insights gathered by West Michigan Works!, the region's leading workforce development agency, gives a broad view of the job market and workforce pool in the region. 
 
"The annual talent survey serves as a crucial barometer for the pulse of our regional workforce," explains Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works! "Understanding job seeker concerns gives businesses key insights to bridge talent gaps and bolster West Michigan's economy."

This year’s survey reflects the movement many businesses are seeing among the workforce. More than half of respondents were employed when they took the survey, with two-thirds of respondents actively looking for work and half learning new job skills. Of employed respondents, nearly half were considering changing professions or careers at the time of the survey. 

Despite the opportunities available, job seekers are experiencing a mismatch between the effort they are putting into their job search and the success they are seeing, indicating a need for resources to overcome their barriers to finding and keeping employment.

Child care a major concern

Parents reported that they would be more likely to use resources related to child care and flexibility than any other resource. Nearly one-third of respondents with children said they juggle responsibilities at home, with 9% having an acute need for child care solutions. 

One innovative approach addressing this challenge is being tried in Zeeland, led by Ottawa County’s biggest employer, Gentex Corp. The manufacturer is partnering with Outdoor Discovery Center on the Gentex Discovery Preschool, a first of its kind in the area. It will have extended hours of operation to accommodate both first- and second-shift workers, with a target capacity of up to 250 children per shift. Gentex plans to offer discounted child care rates as a benefit of employment.

Nearly half of the currently employed survey participants are grappling with earnings that fall short of their needs. Just under half, or 45% of respondents, reported a household income of less than $40,000 annually. The concern about compensation isn't just limited to current earnings; when considering new job offers, two-thirds of the participants ranked wages as a top-three factor. Wages and benefits were also the most frequently mentioned topic in open-ended comments.  

"Compensation is undeniably a critical factor in the employment landscape," Maas says. "Our latest findings underscore the balance businesses face in offering competitive salaries and benefits in today's market. Addressing these concerns with understanding can be a transformative step toward creating mutually beneficial and long-term employment relationships that ensure organizational growth and employee satisfaction."

Health and happiness

Another factor noted by job seekers is mental and physical health. The majority – 56% of individuals surveyed – emphasized the need for employer strategies to safeguard their health. Coupled with this, 48% conveyed a readiness to use mental health services if made accessible, emphasizing the importance of balancing mental and physical well-being in the workplace.

Work-life balance is another factor that contributes to an employee’s well-being. The survey highlighted a desire for flexible work structures, with half of the respondents voicing a need for adaptive work hours. Furthermore, one in three participants ranked benefits, location, and the overarching theme of work-life balance as top factors in job decisions.

“West Michigan Works! and its education, economic development and nonprofit community partners are here to provide businesses with resources to meet the needs of today’s workforce; reducing turnover and increasing productivity,” Maas says. 

West Michigan Works! Works with employers and job seekers across Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties. Its support comes in the form of hiring events, streamlined application processes, wage analyses, and training resources. The agency also connects businesses to training resources like the Going PRO Talent Fund, on-the-job training cost reimbursement, and apprenticeship program development.

For job seekers, West Michigan Works! offers tools like the HotJobs! List, career coaching, workshops, scholarships, and support services. It serves those with disabilities in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitative Services and partners with a variety of organizations, including the state’s Veterans Employment Services, to help veterans match their skills to employment. They have also expanded services to justice-involved individuals, new Americans and those with long-term unemployment.