'This is the worst that we have seen': Businesses still struggling finding employees

EUGENE, Ore. — As we head into summer, you may start seeing more hiring signs popping up around town.

Last summer, staffing shortages were a major concern.

It’s still the case this summer, especially with more of a return to normal summer activities and travel this year.

Wednesday, the Oregon Employment Department said more people are working in Oregon now than ever before.

We investigated why many businesses are still having trouble finding workers.

"This is the worst that we have seen," says Crispin Shelley with Eugene Family YMCA. "Since Covid, of course, we’re seeing the same sort of struggles in finding staff nationwide. The labor market is crazy right now"

The YMCA is looking to hire 10 lifeguards.

"We’re hoping it’s not gonna impact our programs, but it could."

But it's not just lifeguards; the Eugene Chamber of Commerce says they're seeing staffing shortages across the board.

“We have heard form a lot of businesses. They are still struggling to hire," says Chamber President Brittany Quick-Warner.

She says there’s a big shortage in manufacturing and hospitality ahead of summer travel and the World Athletics Championships.

"The hospitality industry is gearing up for a really big summer."

But there’s good news for the big picture; the Oregon Employment Department says the state’s unemployment rate reached its lowest level in more than 2 years in May; and its highest participation rate in 10 years.

"We’re continuing to see a very strong labor market," says Bob Uhlenkott with the Oregon Employment Department. “Oregon has regained 90% of jobs lost in spring of 2020."

The largest gains were made in leisure and hospitality.

But why are businesses in those sectors struggling to find workers?

OED says the labor market is still dealing with lingering influences of Covid, including workers being out sick or having trouble finding childcare, as well as the national trend of workers not going back to full time employment.

More people are self-employed working contract or gig jobs, working remotely for employers in another state.

But for those looking, Quick-Warner says Eugene businesses are offering record high wages in a bid to secure in-demand workers.

"We’re seeing that stretch on the employers who are all competing for the same employees in our community."

On July 1, Oregon's minimum wage will increase to $13.50 an hour in our area.

The Employment Department says increasing minimum wage can add or destroy jobs, depending on factors like inflation.