With the economy continuing to “reopen” in the wake of eased pandemic restrictions, we would expect business to be booming. And yet, many small business owners report that the expected “boom” has manifested as more of a “bust”. Even as demand for many products surges, about half of US small businesses struggle to find enough workers. Co-author Joseph B. Fuller, co-chair of the Managing the Future of Work project at Harvard Business School, recently suggested that we have a solution right under our noses.

Despite having open positions that desperately need to be filled, 91 percent of those businesses say that they cannot locate qualified workers. According to Fuller, corporate leaders must simply take a second look at workers they’ve been ignoring.

In fact, 27 million unemployed workers say that they would happily fill those positions – if only someone would give them a chance. This “hidden workforce” is out there, ready and willing to go to work, but continues to be overlooked time and again. As an Industrial Therapist, you could be perfectly positioned to help Employers test, train and hire these well qualified ‘hidden’ workers.

“I’m a veteran, with diverse training and skills; I was good enough to risk my life for my country, but not good enough to fill an open job in my community.”

“I was a stay-at-home mom for five years. I have all the skills employers say they want, but no one will give me a chance due to the gap in my employment history.”

“I have twelve years of experience and success in my field but didn’t finish my last year of college. Because I don’t have a degree, employers don’t want to take a risk on me.”

“I lost my job of eight years during the pandemic. Now that I’ve been unemployed for more than six months, computer algorithms don’t identify me as a motivated worker.”

These situations, and more, make up the vast hidden workforce in the US. These individuals’ applications are flagged and automatically disqualified through use of electronic screening of many HR systems in this country. And until employers are able to make changes in their hiring processes, finding ways to onboard qualified workers, many will remain unemployed. And furthermore, our economic recovery will remain sluggish, shortages will continue, and frustrations will mount.

But now for some good news: Companies that have dedicated recruitment programs toward identifying and onboarding these hidden workers have discovered that previous negative assumptions prove to be unfounded. In fact, these companies discover that “hidden” workers approach their new employment with enthusiasm, dedication, and a high degree of motivation. They turn out to be the productive, loyal workers companies need and want.

As an Industrial Therapist, this is a niche that you can fit quickly in to – approach Employers in need; help establish a process that includes physical demand capabilities testing; fill the workforce with motivated productive Employees. In doing so, you play a powerful role in helping your community recover. Contact us at KEY Functional Assessments Network to learn more about this next, exciting stage in your practice or career, and how you can help Employers in your area turn this economic bust into a boom.