Survey: Staffing Challenges Stifling Small Businesses

A national survey of small retailers shows most small business owners don't feel coronavirus has impacted their businesses. (stock image: Pixabay)

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A new report from the National Federation of Independent Business shows 50% of small businesses said they had job openings they could not fill in August. The NFIB says that is the highest level since 1986.

The organization says a record 41% of small-business owners said they raised compensation to lure workers.

The NFIB say the number of unfilled job openings has remained far above the 48-year historical average of 22%.

“Half of all small businesses have positions they cannot fill. These folks are the ones who not only create two-thirds of the net new jobs here in our state but keep our economy running and can help pull Indiana out of a recession. If our small business owners can’t grow, then our state’s economy could be headed for troubled waters,” said Barbara Quandt, NFIB State Director in Indiana.

The monthly survey shows 91% of small employers found few or “qualified” applicants for the positions they were trying to fill.