Poll Finds Labor Shortage Worsening for Small Businesses

March 8, 2022

Nearly two out of three small businesses (65%) reported they are struggling to hire employees, up 5% from January, according to the March Labor Shortage Poll from Alignable.

The poll of 6,192 small business owners conducted from February 19 to March 3 found 43% report it is significantly more difficult to hire people now, compared to 38% who reported significant difficulty in hiring in January. The latest poll also found 71% needed to pay higher wages to attract workers, up from 11% from January. 

The states experiencing the most difficulty in hiring include California and New Jersey, with 71% of small businesses in both states struggling to find employees. Other states where businesses are experiencing labor shortages include:

  • Pennsylvania, with 69% of small businesses struggling to hire
  • Ohio at 68%
  • Texas at 65%.

The state with the largest labor shortage increase was Ohio, which jumped 11% over January’s figure.

 

Tags

Latest Articles

Amazon box
June 12, 2026 Jeff Cross

Out-Recruiting the Giants: A Cleaning Company’s Edge in the Labor War

June 11, 2026

3 Ways to Use Less & Save More When Using Wiping Products

June 10, 2026 Andrew Navarro

Expand Your Services, Not Your Client Base

Sponsored Articles

3 Ways to Use Less & Save More When Using Wiping Products
June 11, 2026

3 Ways to Use Less & Save More When Using Wiping Products

May 18, 2026 Sponsored by Novonesis

From the Lab to the Reprocessing Floor: How Enzymatic Detergents Get Tested, Chosen, and Trusted

May 18, 2026 Sponsored by Novonesis

Where Cleaning Contracts Are Really Won or Lost

Recent News

Dan Smolensky and Mike Fitts

State of the Industry Shows Tension in Facility Upkeep

Lab-grown Bacteria Cures C. diff-caused Diarrhea

Health Officials Test Wastewater for Pathogens at World Cup