2022-2023 Labour Market Plan

Change and managing change is a central theme in the Grand Erie community’s 2022-2023 local labour market plan.

The report is titled Change Leadership in Uncertain Times in Grand Erie. It gives an up-to-date snapshot of the labour market and workforce-related issues.

Labour shortages and difficulties hiring and retaining workers are not going away.

That means that many employers need to adjust their HR practices and policies to soften negative impacts on their business.

The report says that issues facing the labour market – increasing numbers of retirements, working from home arrangements and employees looking for better work-life balance – are generational changes that can’t be ignored.

Workforce Planning Board Executive Director Danette Dalton said being proactive and managing change is crucial.

“As we approach a new age in the world of work we must adapt, including adopting new attitudes and practices,” Dalton said.

Read Change Leadership for Uncertain Times in Grand Erie for more details.

2021-2022 Labour Market Plan

The two-year old pandemic led to shifts in the way people work and even how they think about work.

These shifts are a major theme in the 2021-2022 local labour market plan from the Workforce Planning Board titled The Grand Reshuffle: Workforce Reform in Grand Erie.

The 56-page report delves into changes in employment levels, the job market and the number of businesses active in the local economy.

At a time when many businesses are facing staff shortages, a number of people have left the labour force, some frustrated by the ups and downs caused by the pandemic affecting their jobs. People are looking for more stability, so are waiting things out or switching careers.

Workers are also looking for more flexibility at work and better work-life balance overall, with many people reporting that they feel burnt out.

Employers who prioritize the needs of their staff, including work-life balance, are more likely to adjust well to the shifts that are part of the Grand Reshuffle.

2020-2021 Labour Market Plan

The year 2020 was a rollercoaster for the Grand Erie, Canadian and global economy – due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The pandemic affected the livelihood of thousands of residents of Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations and Missassaugas of the Credit. Business owners struggled. Thousands of workers were laid off. Others adapted to working virtually. At the same time, people in some occupations were in more in-demand than ever.

The recovery is ongoing and there’s much work to be done.

As businesses recalibrate, they are identifying skills in-demand that have increased significantly to adapt to the future of work. Some of these skills are: adaptability/flexibility; resilience; teamwork/interpersonal skills; and customer relations.

Parents, workforce, educators and trainers, must work together holistically to pass on the skills and knowledge that is required to keep the foundation of our communities strong and healthy.