Editor’s note: This is a continuation of our 2021 Leaders Survey coverage, which we began publishing in the Nov. 26 issue. Our annual survey asks business leaders to share what they feel are some of the top issues affecting business in Central Iowa, and in particular the Greater Des Moines region. As you read, you’ll see the responses and also select remarks from those who opted to leave comments as they took the survey. 

This year’s guest editor, Jake Christensen, is the founder and president of Christensen Development. He provided analysis of each question.

Fill in the blank: 
The best way to address worker shortages is  _______.

Guest Editor Jake Christensen: 
There are a number of recurring answers to this question. They primarily include: increasing immigration, expanding the workforce through training and education, and removing barriers to full employment. I do not think that there is one right answer to this challenge. Our population grows slower than most areas of the country, so we will need to increase our population through immigration and retention of people born in Iowa. We will also need to upskill our workforce and automate some jobs as we work to compete regionally.

Strong, economic development projects to attract and retain workforce.
Jen Cross, vice president of donor relations, Great Outdoors Foundation

Help businesses know how to reach underserved populations and help those same populations overcome some of the obstacles (perceived or real) to being qualified for the available jobs.
Stephanie Gott, vice president of human resources, Kreg Tool

Allow more immigration to the U.S. 
Chris Nelson, CEO and president, Kemin Industries

Increasing subsidies for child care.
Sophia Ahmad, senior director, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation

Youth programming. 
Kevin Lentz, president and CEO, Anthologic Inc.

Support the public universities, which are the strongest attractors of talent to the region, and grow the investment in arts and culture, which attract talent, drive economic development and build strong communities.
Matthew McIver, artistic director, Iowa Stage Theatre Company

I really don’t know. The pandemic has dramatically altered the way we work and the value people place on being with their families.
Kevin Pokorny, owner and consultant, Pokorny Consulting

Better work environments. 
Robert Andeweg, attorney, Nyemaster Goode PC

Attract or steal them from surrounding states or competitors. Incent people not participating in the workforce to join.
Kim Butler Hegedus, executive vice president, Community State Bank

Stop the narrative that a college degree is the only way to become successful in life. Over 75% of Iowa’s high schoolers attend college, but less than half of them graduate.
Dan Knoup, executive officer, Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines

To be more flexible with work schedules and virtual work. Keeping in-person work minimal by shortening actual office time needed or meetings could make a long workweek seem shorter.
Steele Harter, director of economic development research, Ames Chamber of Commerce

Increase employee performance and efficiency within the organization. Use that performance and efficiency improvement to advance people within their organization. This requires people analytics and technology to increase efficiency and remove waste.
Kevin Schlueter, partner, Reworc

Ease immigration policies. This country was built on immigrant labor. New immigrants fill positions at the lower end of the scale and push those above them up. It is a rising tide that lifts all boats.
John Bergman, president, SPMC LLC

Reduce challenges by making available affordable child care, access to opportunities to reskill through our Iowa community colleges, and improving our immigration policy.
Joe Sorenson, vice president of affiliate relations, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

To have benefits that actually address the needs of workers. Low pay, lack of transportation and child care will continue to keep talented individuals out of the workforce.
Jaime Nicolet Rutan, curator, Salisbury House Foundation

Better wages. 
Steven Simon, CEO, South Story Bank & Trust

Uncertainty is the biggest reason the hospitality industry is suffering. People want to feel they have a secure future/income.
Scott Carlson, owner, Side of Ranch Inc.