I attended a conference this past weekend and met with a number of business owners and managers. I heard two common themes. First, business is improving across the board. And second, they can’t find employees. Neither of these are shockers, but the first one will cease if the second one isn’t resolved.
Regarding the improving business climate, nearly all of us are certainly glad to see this. Most people understand how a well-oiled economic engine benefits those who contribute, and, one way or another, we all do contribute. Regardless of your political slant, it was encouraging to see our president not wearing a mask in the State of the Union Address, as that will certainly help reassure those who are still secluded at home that it can be safe for most people to mingle again. And that, in turn, will help grow the economy even more.
Regarding the need for employees, I wish there was a simple answer. Many theories have been floated as to why we are in an employment crisis, yet there isn’t a clear-cut solution. I have to wonder if the way in which health insurance is provided is a contributing factor.
When I was entering the adult working world, my parents stressed to me how important it was to work for a company with “good benefits” with the most important being a health insurance plan. The majority of young and healthy people didn't understand the value of this then, and I am convinced that even more don’t now. In fact, most young people now stay on their parents’ plans until they turn 26, and they have no reason to even begin to comprehend the costs, at least not until they are 26. I have hired a number of people in that age group, and the astonished looks on their faces when they see how much their health insurance premiums are is all too predictable.
I understand why the change to age 26 was made, and my kids certainly are benefiting from it, too. But I have to wonder if a lack of appreciation (or need) for health insurance is preventing some from seeking full-time positions. Instead, they work a few part-time jobs, become an Uber driver, or do other contract work as financial needs arise. Their health insurance is either paid for by their parents or through a government-funded plan. Or they choose to go without. They don't see the need to work full-time for a company with “good benefits.”
Having said that, I am not convinced that reverting the age to go off of the parents’ health insurance plan to 19 or any other younger age would completely solve our employment crisis. But it might help, and we have to try something, as the job openings simply are not going to be filled if we continue with business as usual.
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
