America is seeing an unprecedented number of people quitting their jobs.
The reports that in December alone, nearly 6 million workers left for something better.
The "Great Resignation" is putting a strain on Northeast Ohio businesses, but it鈥檚 also putting workers in a new position of power.
A recent survey by the Cleveland-based found that 80% of local businesses can鈥檛 find enough workers.
The fund鈥檚 President Bethia Burke said this talent shortage is spread across business sectors and hard felt.
鈥淚t certainly has real impacts on the ability to produce, or serve people, or keep up hospital systems,鈥� she said.
On the other hand, Burke said the demand for workers is giving employees an increased ability to seek better pay or launch new careers.
鈥淲e talk a lot about consumer confidence as an indicator of economic health. This feels like a time when we鈥檙e seeing increased worker confidence,鈥� she said.
Burke said four out of five of the local companies that are short on labor have raised wages to retain current workers.
And she said the tight labor market is forcing employers to consider , including promotions, child care options, and other benefits.
Burke's organization is delving into the underpinnings of the "Great Resignation" with plans for a more detailed look at how it's impacting local businesses and from a worker perspective.
The project called " is a collaboration between the Fund for Our Economic Future, , and Akron-based . The next phases included employer centered focus groups and a broad employee survey.
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