Imagine a bustling port, filled with cargo containers waiting to be loaded and shipped across the world. But instead of swift, efficient movement, operations have slowed to a crawl. Why? A critical shortage of workers. This scenario is playing out not just in ports, but across every link of the global supply chain—from factories struggling to assemble products to distribution centers unable to keep goods flowing. Labor shortages are crippling businesses’ ability to meet soaring demand, disrupting operations at every stage. In fact, 90% of local chambers of commerce in the United States report that these shortages are now a key roadblock to economic growth.
Labor Shortages Across the Supply Chain
The scarcity of factory workers, which is leading to production bottlenecks, is the main cause of supply chain disruptions Frequently, suppliers are unable to complete orders on schedule and attribute backorders to the challenge of finding skilled labor. Transporting goods from factoriesto distribution centers is a necessary but labor-intensive process that primarily depends on truck drivers, who are also in short supply.
The difficulty that businesses are having filling positions is affecting supply chain operations all industries.
Figure 1: Shortages-number of countries that identified the occupation as shortages (source: EURES)
The chart highlights labor shortages in critical professions that directly impact supply chains. Shortages in roles like welders, plumbers, and truck drivers, identified in 19 to 21 countries, are particularly concerning. These professions are vital for manufacturing, construction, and transportation, and shortages create delays in production, infrastructure maintenance, and logistics, exacerbating global supply chain bottlenecks. Addressing these shortages is crucial to improving the efficiency and stability of supply chains worldwide.
Figure 2: Type of shortage (source: EURES)
Long-Term Impact of Labor Shortages
Labor shortages across various industries are creating significant challenges for businesses, as open positions outnumber available workers. As a result, workers have the freedom to select where they want to work as long as the situation does not change. An increasing number of factors, including immigration laws, aging populations, and workers’ propensity to move industries, provide employees greater job choice. The pandemic also hastened the fall in labor force participation, and although wages are still rising, they also add to the cost of production for companies.
The implications of this labor gap are extensive. According to a recent survey, 37% of businesses said they were suffering from a severe labor shortage, and 58% said that this was having a negative effect on customer service. The transportation industry is facing difficulties, with 61% of businesses stating that labor shortages are particularly problematic in this sector. Knowledge workers and managers, critical to supply chain oversight, are also hard to find, with 55% of knowledge worker positions and 54% of managerial roles proving difficult to fill.
Figure 3: How hard is it to fill open positions in the following areas (source: Descartes)
Labor shortages are hitting key supply chain roles hard, with 20% of businesses struggling to fill knowledge worker roles, 18% for logistics managers, 16% for drivers, and 14% for warehouse workers. These gaps cause delays, increased costs, and inefficiencies in goods transportation and order fulfillment, directly impacting the supply chain’s efficiency and customer satisfaction.
A Shift in Labor Acquisition and Retention
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the labor market landscape. Labor shortages limit a company’s capacity and flexibility, which makes it more difficult for industries to fulfill customer demands and retailer expectations. Furthermore, salaries are increasing more quickly than they did prior to the pandemic, mostly as a result of inflation and heightened competition for highly qualified workers. Labor shortages are hitting strong economies like the US and Germany especially hard, with 43% of businesses in these countries reporting significant workforce gaps. At 42%, the Nordics nations trail closely behind.
The Role of Technology in Addressing Labor Shortages
Many businesses are using digital solutions to boost operational efficiency and lessen their reliance on human labor in response to these difficulties. Businesses can automate laborious manual tasks, find data-driven insights, and improve operations by utilizing new supply chain technologies. AI-assisted technologies play a crucial role in this transformation, helping with demand forecasting, inventory management, and route optimization.
Platforms focused on digital supply chain solutions offer significant value. They enable companies to achieve supply chain maturity, enhance customer experience, and make better business decisions. Automation not only reduces labor needs but also boosts efficiency, allowing businesses to focus human talent where it’s needed most—on tasks requiring creativity, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making
While AI and automation offer promising solutions for improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor, it’s important to recognize their limitations. For example, technologies like autonomous vehicles and AI-assisted logistics may not solve the truck driver shortage in the near future, as full implementation remains years away due to regulatory, technical, and infrastructure challenges. Additionally, the upfront investment in automation can be substantial, and businesses may not see a return on these investments until the medium to long term. For many companies, especially smaller ones, the cost of implementing these technologies may be a barrier, making it crucial to balance immediate labor challenges with long-term strategic planning.
Human Skills Still Matter
Despite growing automation, certain roles—like customer service, conflict resolution, and people management—will always require human judgment, emotional intelligence, and creativity. These traits are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and leading teams, areas where technology cannot fully replace human engagement. To address labor shortages, businesses need to balance technology with human expertise. While automation can improve efficiency, , initial investments are high, and immediate returns may take time. Companies that integrate digital tools alongside human decision-making will be better equipped to handle future supply chain challenges.
Conclusion: The Future of Supply Chain and Labor
Labor shortages pose a significant threat to every stage of the supply chain, from production to distribution, and while businesses are increasingly turning to automation and digital solutions to mitigate these challenges, the results are far from guaranteed. Many roles still demand the unique skills and judgment that only human workers can provide, and automation alone may not be enough to close the labor gap. Moreover, the high initial costs of implementing advanced technologies can place a heavy burden on businesses, particularly smaller ones, with returns that may take years to materialize. In the current labor climate, being a preferred employer is becoming increasingly difficult, and without offering competitive wages and meaningful opportunities for growth, many businesses will struggle to attract and retain the talent necessary to keep their supply chains functional. As a result, meeting customer expectations and maintaining operational performance will remain an uphill battle for many companies in the years ahead.
