National Worker Shortage

According to the US Chamber of Commerce, almost all states are experiencing a labor shortage. They use a figure called the “Worker Shortage Index” (WSI), calculated by dividing the number of available workers by the number of open jobs. This means that an index of 1.0 indicates full employment, and anything less than that means more openings than workers. 8 states (including Virginia) have an index below 0.49, which indicates a considerable shortage of workers - like 2 jobs per available worker. The large majority of states (40) have an index between 0.50 and 0.99, and only 2 states, Illinois and Connecticut, have an index of 1.0 or better. 

Possible steps for employers include improved training for employees to help them expand their skills and possible career path within the company, and hiring “second chance” employees (e.g., people with criminal record who have “paid their dues” to society – unless a clearance is involved, of course).