DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Staffing shortages at local area restaurants and bars are hitting a critical point.
That’s causing some employers to change their hours or close down temporarily to give their employees a break.
Kerry Counard owns the Abbey Bar in De Pere.
“We’ve done it in stretches. We did it for a five day stretch.I could see that my staff was really overwhelmed and near the breaking point,” said Counard. “I’d prefer to not push those people to the breaking point and give them a day, versus chasing money.”
Kurt Johnson is the VP of HS Group, a human resources firm.
“I’ve heard employers tell me that it’s more challenging today than a year ago,” Johnson said.
The end of the extra federal unemployment benefit could improve staffing situations across the area and lower the unemployment rate, but Johnson says employers offering additional benefits can aid in retention and recruitment.
“It makes the employees think ‘hey, you really do care about me’,” Johnson added. “And honestly, some of the investment you need to make in that is pretty negligible.”
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