Utah among states struggling the most with worker shortages

Aug 31, 2022, 7:30 AM | Updated: 2:04 pm

Ellen Rohr advises hiring managers to utilize apps, social media and software in the search for workers.

Anchor/Traffic Reporter/Reporter

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is one of 14 states most affected by the worker shortage according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, despite an overall unemployment rate of 2%. For some, it’s not a big surprise.

That’s because Utah is one of the fastest growing states, and struggles to find workers for the number of tech jobs that are available said Ellen Rohr, president of the Zoom Drain franchise company, specializing in the trade industry.

“It is the Beehive state, and it’s the hubbub of industry. I live down in Draper, so I see all the tech business that’s flooding into that area, it goes clear down to Point of the Mountain,” said Rohr.

She said the struggle to find workers is real, but also said it seems every generation complains about the new generation not wanting to work as hard. Either way, she believes it has always been a challenge when it comes to hiring people.

Rohr said companies that struggle to hire workers do have some good options. Rohr, who hires workers for her local drain cleaning service, said she makes use of apps, and software to help put out ads on job-seeking sites.

She said one thing that helps is to look for people right where they’re gonna be — on the internet.

“A lot of people who might be a good fit for your company might be working. Linked-in, we found, is a really good place we go to recruit folks,” noted Rohr.

“Type in the position [you’re] looking for and see what comes up in a search for people who may be doing that position, but working somewhere else.”

She said it all comes down to numbers when you’re a hiring manager for your company. Rohr advised doing a little math.

“So, if you want to fill those positions at your company – if it takes 200 people to get one person hired, then that’s the number you’re gonna need,” said Rohr.

Specifically, schools in Utah have struggled to fill personnel positions. The Davis School District has 130 openings in just nutrition services positions alone.

The airline industry is suffering as well, spurred by the pandemic and other factors. According to St. George-based SkyWest, a pilot shortage has caused the airline to make adjustments to some routes.