Workforce trends in Manitoba

St. James-Assiniboia

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This article was published 06/12/2023 (675 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Understaffed? Overwhelmed? This is a theme the Assiniboia Chamber Team hears time and time again from local businesses in its membership.

With the increase in remote working opportunities available and an all-time low of new 18-year-olds ready to enter the workforce, how are Manitoba businesses to keep up with the demand of their growing businesses? At the recent Work Force Trends Lunch on Nov. 22, hosted at the Viscount Gort Hotel, our panel of experts answered just these questions for members in attendance.

Whether you are an employer or looking for employment, here are the three main takeaways from the luncheon:

1. Flexibility and respect are the keys to success

Connie Newman presented as part of the panel the highly trained older generation seen in Manitoba’s workforce. She explained that as adults age and look towards retirement they may not keep up with technology the same as the newer workforce, but their expertise should not be overlooked. They provide wisdom and guidance and should be considered an asset to organizations. However, as we all age, flexibility becomes increasingly important. Professionals who once may have stayed late and arrived early to the office may begin needing additional time off for appointments. Maintaining an open two-way conversation between employees and employers about their unique needs regardless of age, location or working environment should not be overlooked.

2. Your perfect fit may never exist

Since the pandemic, Manitoba companies have seen a growing number of employees leaving their workplaces for remote opportunities when forced to return to the office full-time. While some roles are not able to be performed remotely, others who are returning to the stereotypical rigid corporate structure risk driving away talent who have proven they are able to do their job just as effectively remotely. When hiring for a new position having remote or hybrid options widely opens the talent pool available.

Tracy Dandeneau said it best when she explained that when employers look to poll their employees for their opinions and expertise, they need to be prepared to act appropriately on the responses. This statement applies to more than just hybrid work environments but to all areas of business. Some companies have job postings that go unfilled month after month because they are looking for the perfect candidate on paper and often overlook candidates who may check 8/10 boxes yet are eager to learn the last two requirements. Looking for perfection is no longer possible, therefore the panel recommended reviewing what you are asking to make sure it matches today’s labour market for the best mutual success.

3. Harness the extraordinary power of interns and newcomers

Art Reid and Gina Aiello both spoke on the importance of looking at the newcomer workforce available in Manitoba. The Canadian government has welcomed an abundance of highly trained workers who are eager to work yet struggle to find appropriate work. Thanks to Art and Gina there are options to help. The University of Winnipeg PACE program offers a one-year intensive program for newcomers to help upgrade their skills and place them in the workforce in ways that are meaningful to them. Express Employment Professionals helps find placements for newcomers who are working towards achieving proper accreditation by placing them in roles relevant to their skillsets.

Regardless of the size of the organization, the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce is here to assist any business throughout west Winnipeg. Education provided by the panelists at our workforce trends luncheon is just one of the examples of how the Chamber works to provide information networking and resources to its business members.