3 Key Trends Affecting Janitorial Hiring

The labor market today faces a significant challenge, particularly noticeable across various industries, including the janitorial sector. This sector, along with other low-wage industries, continues to grapple with a worker shortage that has persisted since the onset of the pandemic. Here we explore three primary trends that have been influencing the hiring and retention of janitorial staff.

Trend #1 – The Great Reshuffle

Often referred to in the context of “The Great Resignation,” the labor market has seen an unprecedented shift, with over 50 million workers leaving their jobs in 2022 and 48 million the previous year. By the end of October 2023, the trend slowed somewhat with 30.6 million resignations. Despite this, the hiring rate has consistently exceeded the quit rate since November 2020, indicating a significant reshuffle rather than a simple exodus. In the janitorial field, many workers are moving to different roles or industries that offer better pay, highlighting the shift from a Great Resignation to what might more accurately be termed “The Great Reshuffle.”

Trend #2 – Decrease in Legal Immigration

Recent data from the Census Bureau shows a dramatic decrease in net international migration, with only 247,000 new immigrants recorded between 2020 and 2021—a stark 76% drop compared to previous years. This downturn in immigration levels has major implications for industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, such as janitorial services, where immigrants make up 38.2% of the workforce. This significant decrease in immigration is likely to exacerbate the labor shortages in the near future.

Trend #3 – Challenges in Female Labor Force Participation

Despite improvements, female labor force participation still faces substantial hurdles. The pandemic saw a sharp decrease as 3.5 million mothers left their jobs in early 2020, plummeting the participation rate from 70% to 55%. Although more women have rejoined the workforce, participation rates haven’t fully returned to pre-pandemic or the peak levels of 2001. A notable barrier, as reported by 27% of women surveyed, is the ongoing need for childcare or other family care responsibilities. With over half of janitorial workers being female, this sector must develop effective strategies to address and support this crucial workforce segment.

Strategies for Addressing Janitorial Hiring Challenges

To tackle these trends effectively, companies need to be proactive in attracting and retaining janitorial staff. Strategies should include offering competitive wages, providing more flexible work arrangements, and fostering a strong company culture that values employee contributions. By understanding and addressing these underlying factors, businesses in the janitorial sector can better navigate the current labor market challenges, ensuring a resilient and reliable workforce.