Majority of Small Business Owners Still Struggling With Hiring

February 8, 2022

The labor shortage still threatens the U.S. economy, with 60% of small business owners reporting they cannot find the right workers to fill open jobs, according to the latest poll from Alignable.

A survey of more than 6,000 small businesses conducted from January 15, 2022 to February 3, 2022 found that the small business recovery rate was 30% in January, down from 43% in December. Long-term care centers are among the industries negatively affected by high staff turnover.

Among minority-owned businesses, 67% report they have not been able to hire the right people in January, the same percentage as in December. Women-owned businesses are not far behind, with 63% struggling to hire employees, compared to 58% in December.

The labor shortage is nationwide, with the following states reporting the most problems finding qualified staff:

  • California, with 65% of small businesses reporting difficulty in hiring
  • Pennsylvania, with 60%
  • Florida, with 58%
  • Ohio and Texas, both with 57%
  • New York, with 52%

Although more than half of small businesses in New York reported hiring struggles in January, it was an improvement from December when 61% reported hiring problems.

 

Latest Articles

Balancing Boots on the Ground with Brains in the Office
September 17, 2025 Jeff Cross

Balancing Boots on the Ground with Brains in the Office

September 17, 2025 Kirsten Hochberg

Eco-Conscious Cleaning for Healthier Schools

September 16, 2025 Jeff Cross

Win the Week at ISSA Show North America 2025

Sponsored Articles

Operational Efficiency Meets Sustainability
September 11, 2025 Sponsored by Essity Tissue's Tork Brand

Operational Efficiency Meets Sustainability

September 11, 2025 Sponsored by SPARTAN CHEMICAL CO.

Dispensing Made Simple®

September 11, 2025 Sponsored by SOFIDEL AMERICAN CORP

End Costly Clogs with Dissolve Tech®

Recent News

CDC Reports ‘Kissing Bug’ Disease as Endemic in US

CDC Reports ‘Kissing Bug’ Disease as Endemic in US

ISSA Reveals 2025 Class of Emerging Leaders

Five New Members Named to Vaccine Advisory Panel Ahead of Key Meeting