Skills shortage ...
Even though many positions have now been filled again, there is a shortage of qualified personnel everywhere. A guest commentary.
Image: Thomas Berner
Who is to blame for the shortage of skilled workers: the stress in the entire economic system? At every event, every conversation about the greatest challenges as entrepreneurs and decision-makers in the Swiss workplace, we hear the same statements. The situation is coming to a head. And the problem is not industry-specific: In the catering sector, there is a shortage of cooks in particular, in timber construction there is a shortage of well-trained carpenters, and in logistics there is a shortage of chauffeurs. In addition, healthcare personnel are suffering from overwork. Start-ups from the digital scene are often reported in the media and trade journals. But the significance and importance of a skilled trade profession would also be worth more than just a report or headline. For the appreciation and attractiveness of the job and not least for motivation. Does it start with the fact that an apprenticeship is no longer attractive enough? But where are the associations to bring the professions closer already at schools? Does a school leaver already have to be offered a work-life balance package? Do future skilled workers have too high expectations or are they constantly made aware by the media of the opportunities available on the job market that do not correspond at all to the everyday working life at an SME? After their apprenticeship or studies, do they only want or should they only work part-time because otherwise there is too little quality time left?
Weighing up the resilience and attractiveness as an employer and facing up to the demands of the employee are daily tasks that take up more and more time and energy that is lacking for tasks and for achieving sales targets. Increasingly, discussions among entrepreneurs, CEOs and board members in our network are that the state is becoming a significant competitor as an employer. Wages are paid, fringe benefits are offered, models such as the 4-day week are discussed, which an SME cannot afford at all. However, the major and relevant difference between the state and the private sector is that companies are at the mercy of a market with supply and demand - the state is not. In addition, regulations are increasing more and more. A logistics entrepreneur in the international market told that for chauffeurs the monitoring and control on every meter and minute does not contribute to the attractiveness of this activity. Or: A Swiss entrepreneur who equips protection and rescue vehicles takes part in a public tender for 16 rescue vehicles. Shortly after the entry is made on time, the rejection comes with the reason: "not gender-appropriate" ... Shouldn't we relieve the companies just now, in these times when there is a shortage of good personnel, prices are rising and deliveries are delayed? We know from the pandemic that this is possible with fewer formalities, faster and uncomplicated decisions.
Over the 20 years as a networker, I have been able to look into many great pearls of companies, have countless conversations and share know-how, and from this, provide goal-oriented contacts for our customers. That's exactly what we're doing on the occasion of KNOW HOW PLACE on November 9, 2022 for the 32nd time and the KUMMLI-TALKs: "Learn from the best - and share." Related to the topic, on Thursday evening, August 25, 2022, there will be a KUMMLI-TALK with the title "Handicraft has golden soil - despite digitalization. But where are the skilled workers?" will take place. Our talk guests are Daniela Spuhler-Hoffmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Esslinger AG, and Nils Planzer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Planzer Logistik AG. Members and guests from the KUMMLI network will contribute their own experiences and challenges to this event. Ideas are generated on how to counteract the shortage of skilled workers, learn from each other - and of course new business contacts are made.
Michelle Rütti-Kummli is CEO of the KUMMLI network, an owner-managed family business that connects entrepreneurs, board members and CEOs, personalities from business and politics - personally, hand-picked and with a high degree of discretion. www.kummli.com
