Guest commentator: Ellen Metro, Business Engagement Representative, Hospitality, Philadelphia Works @Philaworks
Why is it important for employers to stay informed on regional workforce developments and how can they keep up with evolving needs during the crisis?
Since the day Mayor Kenney issued stay-at-home orders for all Philadelphia residents and most local businesses, communities have come together and are actively living out the city’s motto of “Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.” This season has been deemed an unprecedented time of uncertainty. Now, more than ever, it is critical that employers join hands across industry sectors with a common message: Sustain Now, Recover Strong!
Employers are spending a substantial amount of time trying to navigate federal, state, and local workforce resources to address an endless list of challenges:
- How do I keep my essential workers safe and healthy?
- Can I maintain payroll this week?
- Should I defer my facility’s rent/mortgage payment?
- Can my production line shift to producing PPE?
- What protections and resources are in place for my business and my staff?
Now is the time for employers to ask both questions, “What Now?” and “What’s Next?” It’s vital that employers stay informed, connected, and share what’s working. The successful utilization of just one workforce resource is a win for an entire industry. One story of an accepted small business loan application, one additional week of making payroll, or one successful strategy of shifting supply chain to meet consumer demand is all that is needed to motivate and sustain industry peers.
Philadelphia Works, the city’s workforce development board, has already shifted its focus to recovery efforts for our local workforce system. The organization is aggressively continuing its mission to develop and manage smart workforce solutions that respond to business needs and increase economic opportunity for all Philadelphia residents. As a champion and lead staff for Philadelphia Works’ Hospitality & Entertainment Industry Partnership, our leadership has made it clear that we are to remain actively engaged with employers, industry affiliates, community leaders, and higher education institutions during this time. All employers are economic leaders and as a best practice, should follow Philadelphia Works’ lead. Connecting to an Industry Partnership is an easy way to accomplish this. You can find a list of local and active IPs here.
Another active Industry Partnership out of Philadelphia Works is the Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance (SEPMA). SEPMA represents a strong example of how staying connected as an industry, especially during difficult times, is vital. Whether it’s developing employee training initiatives, creating clear career pathways for a post-COVID-19 workforce, or collaborating to meet individual and collective needs, working together will prove valuable in rebuilding our economy.
Our economic landscape will undoubtedly look different after the “curve has flattened.” When Philadelphia reopens for tourism, business gatherings, and entertainment events, we’ll be ready. We’ll be ready because we were connected before this, we stayed connected during this, and we will come out of this, together. We must use this time for courageous collaboration, bold thinking, and intentional leadership. It won’t happen overnight, but we will get through this. In the words of Winston Churchill, “It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.”
Philadelphia Works is a member of the Chamber’s Roadmap for Growth Action Team, a group of 110+ Chamber members and partners united to engage with a broad range of civic and neighborhood organizations in the development and execution of policies and initiatives, known as the PHL Neighborhood Growth Project, that enhance the economy, encourage civic engagement, and support an efficient and impactful government in order to lift and improve Philadelphia’s economic and civic life.
Upcoming Virtual Program
[Virtual] COVID-19: Employer Brand Messaging During Crisis
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 | 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
At this exclusive virtual program for Chamber members, hear leaders from Aloysius, Butler & Clark shed light on some of the ways employers can continue to engage candidates in their talent pipelines, manage virtual interviewing and onboarding, and create communications strategies that are sensitive to the current crisis and evolving talent needs.
