More Than Half of Ohio Restaurants Say Finding Workers is ‘Major Concern’

Industries across the county are lamenting worker shortages, and the restaurant industry is no exception.

In a recent poll by the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA), 65% of restaurateurs said staffing is a critical issue for them and another 26% said finding workers is in their top three “most-pressing” concerns.  

“This problem continues to force restaurants to limit hours, close on certain days and limit guest capacity,” says the ORA.

And, per the report, many restaurant owners feel the weekly $300 federal unemployment supplement is at the root of the shortage.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced in May that he would be cutting off the weekly supplement starting June 26. 

The governor said he was undertaking the move because Ohio unemployment is near pre-pandemic levels and employers around the state are complaining that they can’t find needed workers. He said some Ohioans seem to calculate that it’s a better deal to just stay home.

“The federal assistance is in some cases certainly discouraging people from going back,” DeWine said, although unable to cite specific data.

Unlike DeWine, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recently announced that his state would be keeping the federal unemployment supplement for now. Some experts say that the program actually has helped Kentucky’s economy.

During their May poll, the ORA asked restaurants what would be most helpful for them in their hiring search and 89% agreed they want the government to stop the $300 supplement. Other ideas listed include:

• 65% would like to see more enforcement of search-for-work requirements (Ohio started fully enforcing this requirement in late May). 
• 48% say increased wages would help attract more employees.
• 46% believe return to work incentives funded by the American Rescue plan could help.
• 27% think retention bonuses are a good solution and 23% said that hiring bonuses could help.
• 23% think that marketing the industry as a career would help.
• 23% would like to see more emphasis on culture and opportunities.
• 19% prioritize immigration reform.
• 7% are interested in workforce development for justice-involved individuals.

And while staffing may be at a standstill, it seems sales are improving.

Most restaurants polled — about 60% — say they expect to break even in 2021, with 33% of respondents seeing a sales increase of 10%-15%.

This article appears in Jun 1 – Jul 6, 2021.