Opinions expressed in this column are those of Michael Goings, the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Dillon Herald. He is solely responsible for the content of this article.

As I waited at a certain business establishment to have my vehicle serviced, I could not help but notice that there were only two people attending to the vehicles that were there waiting to be serviced. Inquisitive (perhaps nosy is a better word) as I am, I asked the owner (who was busy along with his employee servicing the vehicles) where the other employees were who I had become accustomed to seeing. Our very brief conversation became the inspiration for the topic and content of my column.
I am certain that most of you who patronize many of our local business establishments have noticed the shortage of good, competent, and courteous employees serving in many of these places. This problem and shortage seem to be in practically every area whether food service, automotive care, construction, and even education just to name a few. We are going to devote the rest of this column considering why good help is hard to find.

The Aftermath
of COVID-19
Perhaps every business that services the public in our locale was affected in a negative way due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many reasons why the labor force and most businesses either dwindled or became inadequate. Arguably, due to many being exposed to the virus and having to be out of work until their quarantine time was over was a primary factor. Many good employees simply came to the decision that the pay was not worth the risk of being exposed to and catching the virus again. This and other factors that were stimulated by COVID-19 greatly diminished and degraded both the quality and quantity of our labor force that has never recovered to where it once was.

The Stimulus
Check Effect
In March of 2020, the federal government added fuel to the fire of having a labor force problem by sending out stimulus checks to those who qualified. It was an idea with good intentions that was created to help the underclass and those who were struggling financially. Nevertheless, one of its glaring weaknesses was that it gave many people (who neither needed or deserved it) an opportunity to get in on the free government handout. As often is the case, I know of some who quit their jobs that only paid minimum wages an hour to receive more through their stimulus check. They reasoned that it would be more economically feasible for them to be unemployed and receive more money from the government than at work. The workforce was drastically damaged and diminished by the stimulus checks. On one hand, they did a lot of good. However, on the other hand, we are still reaping the negative consequences of what they wreaked upon our labor force.

Help Wanted with Good People Skills
It is becoming increasingly more difficult to find people who want to work and who have good people skills. What I mean by good people skills is that they demonstrate the personality and ability to be friendly and polite while serving and interacting with customers who are patronizing the business establishment. There is perhaps no greater place where this is needed than in restaurants and fast-food establishments.
I have had to bite the bullet and hold my peace at the bad temperament and discourteous way that some of the employees behave themselves at the drive through window of a few of these establishments. Perhaps when business establishments advertise their help wanted signs, it would be wise to add to their advertisement that they are looking for people who can be kind and courteous to the customers.

Fair Wages
and Benefits
Many businesses who find it difficult to attract and keep good workers perhaps have no one to blame but themselves. Good workers who are rare and hard to find are rightfully expecting their employers to provide them two essentials that are necessary to keep them as a part of the labor force.
First, good and productive workers are not going to work for substandard wages when the cost of living is steadily rising.
They are demanding their fair wages that some of our major corporations have complied to, and their compliance has stopped the hemorrhaging of good workers.
Finally, good workers are not just looking for jobs with fair wages, but also good fringe benefits.
Things like pension plans, paid holidays, and vacations are attracting people to employers and jobs that provide them to their labor force.
Many workers have chosen the availability of good benefits over better wages when they had to choose between the two.
In my article today, I only considered (in my opinion) what some of the major factors are as to why good help is hard to find.
Hopefully, the bond between employers and employees in our locale will become better and better to the mutual well-being of everyone involved.