Having a look at the WorkBC job board we can tell you that there are more opportunities than ever in this small Princeton labour market.  That translates into a job market where there will be worker shifts in employers, and competition among employers for employees.  It also highlights the need of employers to take stock of the quality of the work place you have created for your workforce.  Retention is important, because recruiting is expensive and time consuming and staff shortages are bad for business.

The job Board is reflecting a need for HOSPITALITY WORKERS such as cooks, servers, and housekeepers.  Retail and Service organizations are looking for CUSTOMER & CLIENT SERVICE workers, and LABOURERS are now in high demand with our Mining, Mills, and Industrial Retail and Service organizations.

Although we constantly promote the responsibility of the worker to be productive and reliable for their employer, we also can now see the importance of the Employer ensuring that the workplace is treating its workers well in order to ensure retention during these times of worker demand.

WHAT DO WORKERS WANT

• Fair wage/benefits for work type and comparative to the market
• Employer adherence to labour laws
• Clear statements of wages/benefits/bonuses – easy to understand
• Proper training and safety orientation
• Enough of, and good working equipment to do their job
• Safe workplace – Demonstrated Employer concern for safety on the job
• Professional workplace – aesthetics/mood of the environment
• Clear job requirements and expectations – consistent reviews and discussions about performance – professional discussions
• Security and sustainability of employment – consistent earnings to plan their lives
• Respectful treatment from co-workers and management – freedom from harassment
• Clearly communicated company rules and consistent application of company rules – perceptions of unfairness will taint the employment relationship: NO favoritism of any kind whatsoever
• Freedom to work and make decisions about organization of work (not micromanaged)
• Work that can challenge abilities/understanding/knowledge – eliminate boredom
• Ability to pass knowledge along – participation in problem solving, training, team building
• Understanding of how the work fits with the overall workplace and the plans for the future of the workplace – input into future directions/plans/products/markets
• Opportunity for development and/or advancement
• Safety in communicating with management the negatives – no fear retaliation

Many of these items are not a utopian view of the workplace,

these are documented and clearly identified concerns of the worker. 

An Employer that continuously strives to be an Employer of Choice, can benefit from these labour market conditions.  An Employer that has not protected employee allegiance will be challenged.