Manpower, Inc., a Milwaukee-based staffing/ employment firm, conducted an eye-opening survey earlier this year. Remarkably, it showed that 40 percent of nearly 33,000 employers surveyed across 23 countries are struggling to find qualified job candidates. Across North America and Asia the job categories hardest hit by the shortage are identical: Sales representatives ranked No.1 and skilled manual trades was No. 5. This should be of particular concern to our industry.
Manpower is a huge company-it operates 4,400 offices in 72 countries. Its survey delivers a strong warning to the floor covering industry. It says we must recognize our strengths and acknowledge the areas in need of improvement. Certainly top notch salespeople and skilled manual trade workers (installers and floor care technicians) are crucial to those working in manufacturing, distributing, retailing, contracting, installation and floor care/maintenance.