Ron Hetrick - Finding a Solution to Current Labor Shortages
HR Data Labs podcast
HR Data Labs podcast
Ron Hetrick - Finding a Solution to Current Labor Shortages
Apr 03, 2025 Season 9 Episode 13
David Turetsky

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Ron Hetrick, Vice President of Staffing Strategy and Sr. Labor Economist at Lightcast, joins us in this episode to discuss the current labor shortage and its relation to shifting demographics in the workforce. He explores which industries are being hit hardest by labor shortages (and why), and he answers the question on many of our minds: can AI help solve this issue? 


[0:00] Introduction

  • Welcome, Ron!
  • Today’s Topic: Finding a Solution to Current Labor Shortages


[7:24] An overview of the current labor shortage

  • The economic impact of retiring Baby Boomers becoming consumers rather than producers
  • How immigrant workers fill essential roles in sectors facing critical staffing challenges


[25:40] Which industries are being hit the hardest with labor shortages?

  • Using classification systems to identify the most vulnerable industries
  • How automation and remote work are reshaping job markets


[38:30] Is AI a potential solution to the labor shortage?

  • Japan’s pioneering approach to AI workforce integration amid population decline
  • Why successful B2B AI implementation must precede B2C applications


[45:55] Closing

  • Thanks for listening!


Quick Quote:

“Right now all the AI investment is going to B2B, . . . which are also in-office, professional jobs. So a problem we don’t have is getting solutions, while all the [labor shortage] problems we do have have no solutions.”


Resources: 

The Rising Storm


Contacts: 

Ron's LinkedIn
David's LinkedIn
Dwight's LinkedIn
Podcast Manager: Karissa Harris
Email us!

Production by Affogato Media

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