Staffing

What hourly workers want: More money

Photo by istock.com

August 11, 2021

As the restaurant industry struggles with an increasing labor shortage — a challenge forcing many eateries to serve just half of customers that could be accommodated — a survey reveals hourly workers are looking for more money.

In fact, a good majority of employees polled by Branch, 60%, believe the key issue with the hiring shortage is the need for higher wages. The second top issue, according to a Branch survey that polled over 3,000 hourly workers, COVID-19 exposure is also playing a big part in the hiring battle.

The majority polled believe the labor shortage is caused by workers earning more on unemployment benefits and stimulus checks (68%) and 59% stated companies need to provide higher wages.

A majority, 58%, don't expect to leave their current role, but if they were to leave it would be for higher wages, according to a press release on the survey findings.

When asked about what they want out of their current workplace, 69% cited higher wages followed by scheduling predictability (51%) and strong work culture (45%).

"Companies will need to provide a range of benefits along with higher pay in the competition for attracting and retaining hourly talent," Atif Siddiqi, Branch founder and CEO, said in the release. "Especially as workers recover from the financial toll of the pandemic, companies that offer wages and benefits that can set workers on a stronger path to financial and career stability will win out."