The world is in a strange stretch; no doubt about it.

There’s the pesky COVID-19 pandemic, causing a simmering uncertainty that has yet to fully recede. Early lockdowns meant employees once going to the office five days a week now worked from home. Through ZOOM calls and conference calls, pajama-clad workers found themselves in their respective euphemistic ‘new normals.’

Market dynamics led some companies to eliminate positions - either temporarily or permanently - and some of those jobs, it seems, aren't returning anytime soon. 

But here’s the curve: After the early hedge-trimming of jobs, now there’s a rampant worker shortage. Regardless of the industry, employers are scrambling to fill copious openings. A recent article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that public buses were having to cut service and drivers had to be ‘begged’ to work. That’s nothing unusual. Employers have struggled to maintain uninterrupted service in this unprecedented phenomena.

Just ask Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia. 

“We have many vacancies here, and at other facilities throughout the state,”  said Cindy Stuckmeyer, administrative office support assistant, “as do departments of corrections in all parts of the country. We're eager to fill open positions right away”.

Stuckmeyer explained that being fully staffed helps WERDCC ensure that the people living and working at the facility “can stay safe”.

“It also helps us dedicate more people and resources to programming, which prepares the women in our facility for release and helps make the surrounding community safer,” Stuckmeyer added. 

WERDCC is currently most in need of corrections officers and cooks. 

“The state has significantly increased pay for these positions,” Stuckmeyer said, “and the governor and the General Assembly have shown a commitment to supporting corrections staff.”

In the last four years, the state has invested $84 million in staff pay raises. 

“You don't need any special training or education to join the department,” she said. “We operate our own training academy, and we provide paid training for all new staff at our training centers. 

Competitive benefits, like  health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, wellness programs and many opportunities for personal and professional growth provide additional incentives for those considering a career at WERDCC or other facilities.

“Working in corrections is truly rewarding,” Stuckmeyer said, “and our team here at WERDCC is like a big family.”

Everyone is welcome to apply at doc.mo.gov/jobs.

But despite the endorsements, entities like WERDCC continue to scratch their collective heads and wonder when - and if - workers will return.

Note: The Mexico Ledger has reached out to several companies for their insights on recent worker shortages. As they reply, their stories will be shared.

By Nathan Lilley

General Manager

The world is in a strange stretch; no doubt about it.

There’s the pesky COVID-19 pandemic, causing a simmering uncertainty that has yet to fully recede. Early lockdowns meant employees once going to the office five days a week now worked from home. Through ZOOM calls and conference calls, pajama-clad workers found themselves in their respective euphemistic ‘new normals.’

Market dynamics led some companies to eliminate positions - either temporarily or permanently - and some of those jobs, it seems, aren't returning anytime soon. 

But here’s the curve: After the early hedge-trimming of jobs, now there’s a rampant worker shortage. Regardless of the industry, employers are scrambling to fill copious openings. A recent article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that public buses were having to cut service and drivers had to be ‘begged’ to work. That’s nothing unusual. Employers have struggled to maintain uninterrupted service in this unprecedented phenomena.

Just ask Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia. 

“We have many vacancies here, and at other facilities throughout the state,”  said Cindy Stuckmeyer, administrative office support assistant, “as do departments of corrections in all parts of the country. We're eager to fill open positions right away”.

Stuckmeyer explained that being fully staffed helps WERDCC ensure that the people living and working at the facility “can stay safe”.

“It also helps us dedicate more people and resources to programming, which prepares the women in our facility for release and helps make the surrounding community safer,” Stuckmeyer added. 

WERDCC is currently most in need of corrections officers and cooks. 

“The state has significantly increased pay for these positions,” Stuckmeyer said, “and the governor and the General Assembly have shown a commitment to supporting corrections staff.”

In the last four years, the state has invested $84 million in staff pay raises. 

“You don't need any special training or education to join the department,” she said. “We operate our own training academy, and we provide paid training for all new staff at our training centers. 

Competitive benefits, like  health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, wellness programs and many opportunities for personal and professional growth provide additional incentives for those considering a career at WERDCC or other facilities.

“Working in corrections is truly rewarding,” Stuckmeyer said, “and our team here at WERDCC is like a big family.”

Everyone is welcome to apply at doc.mo.gov/jobs.

But despite the endorsements, entities like WERDCC continue to scratch their collective heads and wonder when - and if - workers will return.

Note: The Mexico Ledger has reached out to several companies for their insights on recent worker shortages. As they reply, their stories will be shared.