Santa’s warehouse workers
Marketplace
Deep Dive
Why are retailers struggling to fill seasonal jobs this holiday season?
Retailers are struggling because unemployment is low, making it harder to find available workers. They need to be more flexible with scheduling and accommodating different types of workers, such as retirees and those with disabilities.
What are some strategies retailers are using to attract seasonal workers?
Retailers are offering flexible shifts and app-based scheduling to accommodate workers' needs. They are also targeting retirees and disabled workers who may be interested in part-time holiday work.
How has the demand for seasonal workers changed compared to pre-pandemic levels?
Demand for seasonal workers is back to pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated need for 400,000 to 500,000 seasonal workers this year. However, this is lower than last year's hiring levels.
What are the key areas where seasonal jobs are most needed?
The key areas include transportation, warehousing, and retail, with a larger percentage of jobs in e-commerce compared to brick-and-mortar shops.
Why is there a divergence in earnings reports from Walmart and Target regarding consumer spending?
Walmart and Target have divergent narratives about consumer spending due to differing views on the strength of the U.S. consumer. Walmart sees a strong holiday season, while Target does not, reflecting a confusing economic moment.
How does consumer sentiment vary by political party?
Consumer sentiment is split by party, with Democrats more likely to feel bad about the economy and Republicans more likely to feel good. This shift often occurs within weeks of an election.
What are the concerns about inflation and tariffs in the U.S. economy?
Concerns include a potential resurgence of inflation due to global factors and tariffs, which could lead to businesses stocking up on goods to avoid higher costs.
What data points are economists watching closely for the upcoming weeks?
Economists are watching the personal consumption expenditures price index, which the Fed cares about, and revisions to GDP to gauge the strength of the economy.
How has the adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT been in the past two years?
Adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT has been slower than expected, with about 40% of the U.S. working age population using generative AI in some way. This mirrors the adoption rate of computers in 1984.
Why are some industries slower to adopt AI compared to tech and finance?
Industries outside of tech and finance are more risk-averse and are concerned about legal, ethical, and financial accountability for the content produced using AI.
What is the current state of nurse-midwife programs in California?
California currently has only one master's-level nurse-midwife program at Cal State Fullerton, as the other program at UC San Francisco has paused admissions to shift to a doctoral degree program.
Why are maternal care advocates concerned about the shift to doctoral programs for nurse-midwives?
Advocates are concerned because the shift will make training longer and more expensive, potentially limiting access to care at a time when maternal health care is already in short supply.
What are the benefits of being cared for by a midwife during childbirth?
Midwives have been shown to lead to fewer C-sections and fewer preterm births, making them crucial in addressing the Black maternal health crisis.
How are retail credit card interest rates affecting holiday shopping?
Retail credit card interest rates have reached an all-time high of over 30%, which could impact consumers' decisions to use credit for holiday purchases.
- Walmart and Target present differing views on holiday spending.
- Consumer sentiment shows a partisan split, with Democrats less optimistic than Republicans.
- The job market's health suggests continued consumer spending despite fluctuating sentiment.
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