As 2022 winds down, Iowa employers continue to struggle to fill open positions as companies and their employees face lingering challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. While the economy still deals with the Great Resignation, some employees who left their jobs looking for better pay and benefits are beginning to have regrets. Despite an economy that grew faster than expected, causing inflation to soar, employers are still figuring out how to navigate the labor shortage, attract new employees and retain the ones they have. Many companies are also still getting a feel for the new workplace culture, balancing in-office engagement and remote work. In our Jobs Outlook, we were joined by a panel of business leaders who helped us look at what the job market in 2023 may bring. We explored strategies companies can employ as they continue to navigate uncertainty. At this event, we also recognize the winner of our Dentons Davis Brown HR Professional of the Year award.

Among the questions we tackled: 

• How is the continuing labor shortage altering companies’ hiring strategies?
• What are projections for hiring in 2023?
• In almost every economic outlook report we do stories on, confidence is low. Does that affect a company’s strategies for job creation?
• What sectors are struggling the most to fill positions? Which ones are having fewer challenges? Are there lessons that can be shared to help those businesses that are struggling?

Panelists:

Ryan Festerling, president, QPS Employment Group

Pamela Gaddy, project coordinator, DMACC Workforce Training Academy

Kellie Gottner, HR and client experience officer, Connectify

Tom Root, associate professor of finance, department chair, Drake University

Jenae Sikkink, senior vice president talent development, Greater Des Moines Partnership