Over 50 million American workers left their jobs in 2022 alone. While the trend has started to slow down, America’s labor shortage is a well-known issue that has been ongoing since 2021. At the start of the pandemic, the manufacturing industry experienced a loss of 1.4 million jobs. As more and more companies invest in mobile medical vehicles, it creates a surge in recovered jobs and livelihoods for America’s labor shortage.
At AVAN Mobility, our skilled team of 50+ employees works hard to manufacture mobile medical vehicles for organizations all over the U.S. When organizations purchase these vehicles, it contributes to the economy and gives people meaningful employment in various sectors.
The existence of mobile medical vehicles results in a healthier and happier population that is more willing and able to work. By the end of reading this article, you’ll know how mobile medical vans are having a positive impact on America’s labor shortage.
What’s causing America’s labor shortage?
There are currently over 9.5 million job openings in the U.S. While there are tons of jobs, there aren’t enough workers to fill the open positions. There would still be 3 million open jobs even if all of the unemployed people in the country found employment. You’re probably asking what’s causing America’s labor shortage by now.
Around 120,000 businesses closed at the peak of the pandemic which left 30,000 people without work. The U.S. simply doesn’t have enough workers to fill all of the job vacancies. In addition, the labor force participation rate has been steadily declining since 2001. There are also a couple of other factors preventing people from returning to work.
Changing job preferences
- People now prefer different types of jobs than in the past
- Some jobs are less popular than before
Retirement wave
- Many older workers are retiring
- This creates job openings that are not always easy to fill
Pandemic impact
- The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work patterns
- Some people changed careers or left the workforce
Skills mismatch
- Some jobs need specific skills that prospective workers don’t have
Childcare challenges
- Parents face struggles to find affordable childcare
- No childcare affects their ability to work
Health concerns
- Some are concerned about health risks at work and some have pre-existing illnesses
- This impacts their decision to work
5 ways mobile medical vans help with America’s labor shortage
America’s labor shortage is like a tricky puzzle with missing pieces. Many industries struggle to find the right people for the job. It’s like trying to build a house without all the necessary tools. But fear not, because mobile medical vans bring a toolkit of solutions.
1. Taking healthcare to the people
Imagine if a doctor’s visit meant traveling long distances, taking time off work, and facing transportation hurdles. Mobile medical vans break down these barriers. They roll into communities and bring healthcare right to people’s neighborhoods. This means less time away from work for medical appointments, ensuring employees stay healthy and productive.
Mobile medical vans can also make weekly or monthly visits at workplaces to ensure minimal disruption in daily work activities. This means employees won’t have to continuously take time off work for appointments.
Example: John, who works long hours at a factory, can now get a check-up during his lunch break without missing work since a new mobile medical van is situated right near his workplace.
2. Healthy workforce, happy employers
Happier workers are better workers, according to a recent study. A healthy workforce is a productive and happier one. Mobile medical vans provide preventive care and address health issues before they turn into bigger ones. When employees can access healthcare conveniently, employers benefit from reduced sick days and increased productivity.
With fewer sick days, businesses can operate more smoothly. In essence, mobile medical vehicles become a tool for minimizing absenteeism and keeping the workforce strong and available.
Example: Sarah, a dedicated employee, can manage her chronic condition with regular check-ups from the mobile medical van that visits her workplace on a weekly basis. This keeps her at her best for work.
3. Supporting vulnerable populations
Certain communities face more significant healthcare challenges that contribute to the labor shortage. Mobile medical vans focus on these areas, ensuring that everyone, regardless of location or background, has access to healthcare. This inclusive approach strengthens the entire workforce.
Example: Maria lives in a rural area on a Native reservation. She can now access medical services due to the new mobile medical van in her area. This makes her more likely to join the workforce without health-related barriers.
4. Boosting health knowledge
Mobile medical vans go beyond just quick fixes. They can be used to help workers understand how to stay healthy. These vans turn into moving hubs of knowledge and share easy-to-understand lessons on preventing health problems.
Employees get useful tips on healthy living, stopping issues before they start, and taking care of themselves. This way, everyone in the workforce learns how to make smart choices about their health. This will help lower the chance of having long-term problems. It’s not just about feeling better now; it’s also about making sure everyone stays strong and healthy for the long haul at work.
Example: Johnathan wasn’t aware of how much of an impact his diet had on his health before the mobile medical van started making weekly visits to his workplace. He’s now health-conscious about his food choices.
With the mobile medical van’s wellness programs, employees are more aware of healthy habits, leading to a positive work environment.
5. Enhancing recruitment and retention
Mobile medical vans create a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees. When potential and existing employees know that health services are readily available, it becomes a powerful incentive.
This aids in recruiting new talent and fosters loyalty among existing staff. When you promote a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being, mobile medical vans contribute to addressing labor shortages by making the company an appealing and supportive place to work.
Example: Lyle has been searching online for jobs for the past few weeks. He came across one that advertised onsite monthly mobile medical services. He instantly applied seeing how much the employer cared about investing in its employees’ well-being.
Final thoughts
You came to this article while researching information about mobile medical vehicles. Now that you’ve learned how they can have a positive impact on America’s labor shortage, you’re probably wondering where to go from here.
At this point, you should take a look at the 4 different types of mobile medical vans that we offer at AVAN Mobility. This article will help you connect the dots surrounding some of the products that are available in the mobile medical vehicle market.
You should also read our article on how to choose a mobile medical van. You’ll learn a few tips on what’s involved with that process.
If you have any questions about mobile medical vehicles or anything else discussed in this article, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
