Small business owners working ‘8-day workweeks’ amid staffing shortages: CFIB

Many small business owner are reporting longer work weeks, a new survey finds.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the average owner surveyed reported working 54 hours a week — which the federation says is the equivalent of an eight-day work week for most people on a salary.

However, the CFIB adds those who said they were working more hours because of staffing shortages reported working even longer, at 59 hours, with 20 of those hours “spent compensating for staffing challenges.”

“This is a lot of time that business owners could spend on other priorities such as growing their business or looking into government programs,” CFIB economist Laure-Anna Bomal said.

The industries most affected were hospitality and agriculture, the federation, which represents small and medium sized businesses, says.

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The report notes labour shortages increased from 55 per cent in November 2021 to 59 per cent in September 2022.

It says while all provinces have reported more than half of small businesses are dealing with staffing shortages, the most affected provinces are Quebec at 66 per cent, and Saskatchewan and Manitoba at 62 per cent each.

Bomal says the shortages are straining employers both in their professional and personal lives.

“Many owners who work more hours don’t have time for family and friends, and it can affect their mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

Call for government supports

The CFIB says of the businesses surveyed, 73 per cent reported owners had to work more hours to make up for staffing challenges, while 54 per cent said employees had to do the same.

Labour also seems to be affecting businesses’ bottom lines, with close to half of respondents saying they’ve had to turn down sales or service contracts, or decrease offerings.

“Instead of being captains who keep their ships on course, short-staffed business owners are having to paddle just to stay afloat,” CFIB Vice President Francois Vincent said.

The CFIB is calling for governments to bring in “targeted measures” to help business owners.

“With Canada’s aging population, the shortages will get worse if our labour market approach does not change,” Vincent explained.

He admits there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all solution,” but adds measures could help allow owners “to invest in employee’s compensation, training, and automation.”

“Additionally, streamlining immigration processes is key to finding the talent that small businesses can’t find right now. Finally, red tape reduction is a strategic way for governments to act to give back time to our entrepreneurs,” Vincent said.