b'BUSINESSBY STEVE ANEVSKI, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF UPSHIFTThe Cost of an HourUnderstanding theto worker, from expert to observational expert; the best answer available might be the simple admission that foodservice wage and benefitnobody knows. But, studying the trends that are solidifying in the real-time datarates that have been motivating, changes in benefit offerings that seem to have success in shift is key to successfullybringing workers backowners and employers can start to staffing your company see a clear path of action.The Delta of Pre- andPost-Pandemic MotivationFor employers struggling to staff hourly positions based F or good reason, industry observers andon changing needs, offering a competitive rate is crucial. foodservice professionals have spentMost employers have navigated their recovery with the months standing at attention for signsplan to return to pre-pandemic wage averages for the of an emerging recovery: resumed corporatesimple reason that the nature of the work theyre offering events, larger group gatherings, the greenhasnt changed. But for workers, a wage is a relative rate. light to get back to normal. Now, at this stageWage shifts across other industries influence peoples of recovery, all the signs are there. But thesentiments around compensation and role expectations. unexpected labor shortage means the hardestAnd across almost all industries, wages have shifted.part is far from over. Without staff, you cantTo fill their applicant pool, employers need transparent service any sales. insight into the competitive rates in their space. Beyond The last two months saw a mass migrationtheir aims to counter the labor shortage, most employers of workers out of their roles and away from theirwant to pay fairly and support their teams appropriately, industries. In July of this year, the number of jobbut a lack of transparency can prevent them from openings in the foodservice and accommodationadjusting their rates. In September 2019, the average sector peaked at an incredible 1.67 million. Inhourly wage for a worker in the foodservice and catering August, another 892,000 workers quit.space was $13.87. While wage expectations fluctuate Conjecture abounds regarding the Greatfrom city to city, $13.87 was the industry average across Resignation phenomenathe motivation of themajor American metropolises. This September, that workers, the permanence of the movement andnumber was up to $18.30.exactly how much these kinds of dire staffingExpectations are quickly changing regarding benefits, shortages are going to cost. Reasons, perspectivestoo. The pandemic era has brought new anxieties, needs and general predictions change from workerand ideas to mind. For flexible jobs, workers who can work 54 CATERING, FOODSERVICE & EVENTS cfe-news.com'