(The Center Square) — South Carolina is among the states where employers struggle the most to hire, according to a new study.
The analysis from WalletHub, a personal finance site, found the Palmetto State ranked third behind Alaska and Montana for employers struggling the most to hire. To compile its analysis, WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia using the rate of job openings for the most recent month and the past 12 months.
“According to the ranking, businesses in the state might have trouble filling job vacancies,” WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe told The Center Square via email. “As a result, there could be intense competition for talent, which could lead to delays in hiring and ultimately impact business operations and growth potential. These labor market challenges might hinder growth in the short term, and businesses would need to adapt their hiring strategies to remain competitive and stable over the long term.”
Happe said policymakers have several approaches they can deploy to address the current state of the economy.
“One approach could be to invest in education and workforce development programs to improve the skill sets of the local workforce,” Happe said. “Another option could be to create incentives for businesses to establish or expand their operations in the state. Additionally, policymakers can promote innovation and entrepreneurship to encourage job creation and implement policies that facilitate a favorable business environment.
“It may also be helpful for policymakers to work with local industries and stakeholders to identify specific challenges and develop solutions that are tailored to address them,” Happe added.
California is ranked as the state where employers struggle the least to hire workers, ahead of New Jersey and Hawaii.
“States that face less hiring difficulties are usually the ones with strong economies, diverse industries, and a skilled workforce,” Happe said. “They typically invest in education, have supportive business environments, and offer ample job opportunities. On the other hand, states that struggle the most may have limited job prospects, skill gaps, and less favorable business climates.
“In general, states that prioritize economic diversification, workforce development, and business-friendly policies tend to attract and retain talent more effectively,” Happe said. “As a result, they experience fewer hiring challenges compared to those that lack such initiatives.”
