Signs, signs everywhere a sign

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign — The Five Man Electrical Band NORWALK — Businesses across the nation are suffering from a staffing crisis. From Main Street in Norwalk to Perkins Avenue in Sandusky, there are more than 35 "Hiring Now" or "Help Wanted" signs. While factories, hospitals and retail businesses are getting hit, it seems that restaurants are suffering slightly more. Nichelle Knudsen, manager at The Press Box in Norwalk, says it is taking a lot out on their current employees. "They are working 10 to 12 hours a day six days a week," she said. This past Sunday, Knudsen had to work a 14-hour shift due to the staffing crisis and some employees calling off due to sickness. Knudsen said that, unfortunately, it does take a little bit of a hit on the guests. Restaurants are stuck either not able to seat at full capacity, or giving their servers more tables which allows them less time with each table. "Ninety percent of the customers are being understanding," Knudsen said. When fully staffed The Press Box would have five full-time servers and four cooks. At the moment they are looking for two more in each department. Many places are forced to offer more to get employees. The Press Box is offering a pay a little bit higher than typical plus bonuses. The owner is also giving raises when she sees people working hard for it. A similar situation is happening at the Norwalk Dunkin' Donuts. "Everybody here is working overtime," said manager Kenzi Czompoly. "We're tired, but we make do with it." Czompoly said a lot of them are liking the extra hours and are helping out by picking up shifts if needed. She said there are a few initiatives they are taking to try and get employees. "We raised minimum wage to $10, we're posting flyers everywhere and are offering other benefits like vacation hours." There are other restaurants that the managers were working so much due to low staff, that they couldn't even take a break to talk about their staffing crisis. One restaurant manager in Sandusky said he can't find enough workers to keep all of his tables open. That is a real problem when the wait time grows and grows as the night goes on while tables are sitting open. He said many managers are going to other restaurants trying to lure those workers away with better pay and benefits And it's not just the restaurants. Factories and businesses around Norwalk and the area are short on help. A quick drive into Willard on Ohio 103 from Norwalk Friday was peppered with help wanted signs — 16 to be exact — in front of Pepperidge Farm. And down the road are help wanted signs for MTD at $17.50 per hour. What's stopping people from applying for jobs? It's a hot debate. Whether it's the enhanced unemployment or people still being afraid of the pandemic, these answers and more are being thrown around. Whatever the reason, there are jobs out there. Right now it's a help-wanted world, with no real answers in sight. No answers, but a lot of signs.