While there can be plenty of debate about how 麻豆社国产ended up with so many employers short-staffed, the fact is: here we are.
One thing is becoming increasingly clear — there isn’t an easy or quick fix.
And it isn’t a new issue, of course.
The 麻豆社国产Chamber of Commerce surveyed its members at the start of 2022 and found that nearly 70% of respondents stated they had experienced challenges recruiting or retaining staff over the last year.
But this summer, by almost all accounts, is likely to be even more challenging.
With pandemic restrictions lifted, we can expect to see more and more tourists as the temperature heats up, just when most business owners and staff are feeling worn out from two years of pandemic stress.
Ideally, businesses will scale down to what they can realistically accomplish, but that will mean, for some, fewer hours they can stay open, fewer options available and perhaps longer lines.
So let’s be our local employees’ and business owners’ soft place to fall.
As we go about our day, when there is a sign on the door that a shop is closed or if the lineups are longer than normal, our favourite item is sold out, or service is not quite what we know it could be — let’s show each other some grace.
Let the business owner and stretched thin staff know that you are a local and have their back.
While the lack of employees can be frustrating for customers, for those who are working there, it often means doing the job of two people and catching all the crap for the shortcomings.
So, don’t complain. Give a knowing smile. Help out if you can. Are there restless tourists in the lineup ahead of you? Chat them up and explain this is a great café (restaurant, grocery store, shop or attraction), but today isn’t their best day. Offer suggestions and solutions.
Show some grace.
Grace is choosing kindness and compassion when there is another, perhaps justifiable, negative option.
You could write a nasty review about a restaurant that left you waiting for your food or a shop that wasn’t open when its website said it would be.
Or you could vow to give the place another try.
You could nod at the tired and perhaps cranky clerk.
Let’s spend the summer being ambassadors for our local businesses. Cheerleaders, if you will.
Things will get better, and there is much to be hopeful about.
As Louise Walker, executive director of the , told The 麻豆社国产, most businesses — 74% — are optimistic.
That is an increase from the 68% who felt that way in 2020.
And while there are growing pains with being a busy little town right now, the alternative — staff but no customers— is much more daunting.
So local businesses and fellow employees, we’ve got you.
That way, you can be there for us when this roller coaster ride slows down.
