What is the Workforce Reality Check?
Yesterday’s Solutions Don’t Fix Today’s Problems
Businesses across the U.S. are struggling with hiring, retention, engagement, and other “people” problems — yet many are still trying to solve them with outdated assumptions about the workforce.
But that’s how we’ve always done it
A few years ago, I had a conversation with an industry leader about the skilled-worker shortage in his field. In this instance, it was construction.
He expressed that the older generation was aging out and that there weren't enough younger workers to replace them, creating a crisis, even on a national scale.
I shared with him that a large part of the problem centers on how the younger generation feels they are treated when they take those jobs.
They are coaxed into these roles with the promise that careers like plumbing, electrical, and carpentry are high-paying, professional-grade careers. Then, when they show up to work, they are treated like anything other than professionals.
They are yelled at, cussed at, mocked, and ridiculed. Yelled at for not moving as fast as the experienced worker. Cussed at when a mistake is made. Mocked for a fear of heights, their first time on a roof. Ridiculed after being sent on a search for non-existent tools such as left-handed skyhooks and pipe stretchers.
The response was, "It’s all in fun and just part of life in the construction business. They'll have to get over it."
But they don’t have to get over it, and that is the point. They are proving every day that they can easily walk away and find something else to do with their time.
The Reality Check
The Workforce Reality Check is designed to challenge faulty assumptions by asking tough questions and pointing out difficult truths. Overcoming real-world problems requires strategy, effort, and sometimes, a willingness to look inward.
The reality check, in this case, is that what you call hazing, these younger tradesmen call bullying. Right or wrong, agree or disagree, that's what they have been taught. And it’s what his industry is up against.
That industry leader wasn't ready to hear the truth, but overcoming the worker shortage in those fields requires addressing the issue from their perspectives, not from the perspectives of those who mock them.
You have a business to run, and to solve your issues, you need to navigate from where you are, not from where you were yesterday. This blog is about helping you map out a path to success.
Accept The Challenge
Take a moment to reflect on the prevailing mindsets in your organization. If you are where you want to be and the most common workplace issues aren’t holding you back, congratulations, you have found the secret sauce.
However, if you recognize that things just aren’t working as they should, your leadership teams are beyond stressed, and your bottom line has significant room for growth, let’s talk.
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