Are the shifting priorities of job seekers being considered?

Businesses are having a difficult time finding dependable, productive employees in Hawaii due to a worker shortage. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the scarcity worse, and although things are getting better, they are still not back to where they were before the pandemic.


A Hawaii News Now reports, that around 7,500 employment positions were available in Hawaii in 2019, but by December 2021, that number had increased to 35,000. In February 2023, 14,000 job opportunities remained. According to experts, a full recovery might not happen until 2025. In addition, Hawaii's population is declining as more individuals leave the state, especially in Honolulu and Maui.


Additionally, there is a mismatch in the priorities of job seekers and open opportunities, as a result of the shift in emphasis towards family values, transportation, and health. Employers are turning to job fairs, signing bonuses, and other incentives to attract candidates. 


Dr. Eugene Tian, Hawaii’s chief economist weighs in on the post-pandemic shift of job seeker values on Hawaii News Now.  Check it out.