more intentionality in order to bring more people into the workforce .
In the ever-changing work landscape , Ramsey County stands at the intersection of transformation and opportunity . Employers throughout the area offer a similar report regarding their workforce : there is a talent shortage . Despite having one of the country ’ s highest labor force participation rates and being ranked by CNBC as the fifth-best state for business , Minnesota has approximately two open jobs for every available worker .
“ We have seen seismic shifts in the world of work in recent years , driven forward by ongoing economic uncertainties , dramatic talent shortages , workforce misalignments and rapidly evolving technology ,” stated Erin Olson , Senior Director of Strategic Research with RealTime Talent , which serves as the labor market analysis partner to the county . “ These dynamics make forecasting future labor market needs and supply uniquely challenging . Despite the turbulence , several pivotal shifts have materialized , illuminating the path ahead in inclusive workplaces , skills-based hiring and the digital workplace .”
Dynamic Shifts in Workforce Dynamics
The workforce ecosystem in Ramsey County is undergoing profound changes , marked by a confluence of factors — economic uncertainties , talent shortages and the relentless pace of technological evolution . These challenges have made predicting future labor market needs and supply an intricate puzzle .
The RealTime Talent data and indicated trends are instrumental in helping guide and direct Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County in developing the strategies it supports for local workforce development .
Key Trends Illuminated
Despite the turbulence , Ramsey County is adapting and leading the way in pivotal shifts , illuminating the path forward .
Innovize was recognized by the Workforce Innovation Board on December 7 , 2023 , for their firm commitment to advancing equity and inclusion as part of Ramsey County ’ s Inclusive Workplaces Cohort . Pictured L to R : Innovize HR Coordinator Alayna Vang , Innovize Sr . HR Generalist Ia Yang and VHEDC Executive Director Liz Moscatelli .
Inclusive Workplaces
The county sees the need to support employers to be more inclusive workplaces , recognizing the imperative of diversity , equity and inclusion to continue fostering environments that celebrate differences , fuel innovation and enhance overall resilience . Diversity is one of the county ’ s greatest assets .
Ramsey County has the state ’ s most diverse early childhood ( 0-7 ) and prime workforce age ( 25-44 years ) population by race and ethnicity , and nearly 16 percent of residents are foreign-born ( 86,600 people ). Resources offered by Ramsey County to local employers include an Inclusive Hiring Toolkit and an Inclusive Workplaces Cohort executive learning experience .
Skills-Based Hiring
Talent shortages have prompted a shift towards skills-based hiring . This is an opportunity for the 9.2 percent of Ramsey County adults that do not hold a high school diploma ( compared to 6 percent statewide ). Ramsey County employers recognize the value of competencies over traditional qualifications , unlocking new possibilities for diverse talent acquisition . Workforce Solutions and the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County are poising themselves to be a key partner in supporting employers to make this hiring shift .
The Digital Workplace
Embracing the digital revolution , Ramsey County navigates the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape . The share of all local job postings that are hybrid-remote positions has been rising rapidly , now representing 17 percent of all local job postings in Ramsey County . Among IT positions advertised in Ramsey County , 32 percent were hybrid-remote and another 13 percent fully-remote . Remote work , digital collaboration tools and innovative technologies are becoming integral to the county ’ s workforce fabric . Understanding these trends is not just a response to change but an opportunity to shape the future .
Learn more about the Top Ten Workforce Trends in our community using the QR code .
vhedc . com 19