How Severe Staffing Shortages Across Industries Could Affect You Directly
Staffing shortages have deeply impacted various public service industries, including pharmacies, veterinarians, and post offices, which makes it more difficult for individuals to access these services.
Post-pandemic life is something that no one expected. After the relaxation of the pandemic restrictions, most people felt a sense of relief that the worst was over, but sadly that was not the case. Shortages in various business sectors have caused havoc in keeping a steady supply of essential items in stores, and it does not seem like the staffing shortages will stop any time soon.
It is not just essential items that are now in low supply. It seems that in America, there is a staffing shortage also. Many industries are struggling to fill gaps in their staff and retain employees since the pandemic, and these staffing shortages are happening in some of the critical sectors of modern life.
While the supply of medicines is constantly up and down these days, its distributors are also in short demand. Over half of the pharmacies are struggling to fill any positions they have available in their stores at the moment. Due to these staffing shortages, pharmacies have started to adjust their hours. This change will affect when and how long they are open, making it less convenient for its sick customers.
Along with pharmacists, USPS workers are also in high demand. The delays in the American postal services have been ongoing since the end of the pandemic, with the postal service struggling with current staff issues and hiring new staff. This has affected the postal system’s efficiency and ability to be steadfast, which has been frustrating many citizens. To combat this issue, they have been holding job fairs nationwide to entice new employees.
Another essential service that has also taken a staffing hit is EMTs. This staffing shortage is the most urgent to be resolved as EMTs provide an essential service for injured citizens across the country. Last year over 39% of part-time EMTs and 55% of part-time paramedic positions were not filled, which is a worrying position. Without these positions filled, it could mean the difference between having an ambulance on the scene of an accident and not having an ambulance. It is a crisis. But between the low wages, a tricky work-life balance, and burnout from being overworked due to staff shortages, it is not surprising that many people are leaving the field.
Veterinarians have also reduced in numbers over the last few years. Along with people not getting the medical help they need due to EMT shortages, animals are not in great shape either. By 2030, there is expected to be a staffing shortage of over 15,000 veterinary professionals in America, which shows this job sector’s chronic state. With a rise in pet ownership due to the pandemic, the situation has only gotten worse as there are more pets but fewer vets. Pet owners now have to wait a number of few for a veterinary appointment, which is incredibly inconvenient. Services like low-cost clinics also have to be scrapped due to vet shortages, which is disappointing.
It is hard for people and businesses to think about a new career or stay in a low-paying one when they are crippled with debt from the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis. Hopefully, they can fill the gaps within these essential services and make them more inviting to employees; that way, we can return to everyday life.
