# Despite Labor Shortage in the Workforce, Regular Discrimination Continues to Keep Numbers Low

By Ron Stefanski · Published 2023-08-22 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Education Technology on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/despite-labor-shortage-in-the-workforce-discrimination-keep-numbers-low
Creator hub: DisruptED

> Bias in hiring practices remains a barrier to filling critical talent gaps despite widespread labor shortages

## Key points

- Discriminatory hiring practices persist even as employers struggle to find enough workers to fill open positions.
- Bias in recruitment acts as a structural barrier that keeps workforce participation numbers artificially low for marginalized groups.
- Eliminating discriminatory practices could simultaneously advance equity and help resolve labor shortages.

Block Field

Today's world is so fast-paced and digitally-driven, the dynamics of the workforce are evolving at a rapid pace. Yet, as we march forward, we are confronted with an age-old challenge: the lack of diversity and inclusion in job roles. Siloing of jobs based on gender, race, or background is no longer tenable, especially when there’s a massive talent shortage and a pronounced skills gap. 

> Siloing of jobs based on gender, race, or background is no longer tenable, especially when there’s a massive talent shortage and a pronounced skills gap.

Addressing these challenges requires multifaceted solutions: from harnessing the potential of immigrants, providing equal opportunities, shattering stereotypes. But most importantly, empowering the workforce to rise to the occasion. Talking to **Ron J. Sefanski** about this subject for a second portion of an episode of "[DisruptEd](https://marketscale.com/shows/disrupted/)," [**Jane Oates**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-oates-41561453?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F), President of [**WorkingNation**](https://workingnation.com/about/our-mission/), shared a few of her viewpoints on the pathways to a better future. Oates has [decades of experience](https://www.centerforworkforceinclusion.org/leadership/jane-oates/) having worked at the US Department of Labor, and US Senate's Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee ([HELP](https://www.help.senate.gov/)). Her company has also done work in [creating short films](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/workingnation-releases-inspiring-short-film-174500391.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANIk_tmROFeo_KJJoSzQoxwyRUR0kP7HlQr3095BwDwterJ3xKj8EzCSLLVze0YzTA049IrU1-JSlo8ubxUgVcpcD2Lf74hGksAhzIiWTRTAzZP7jV40sGreK1ZyOAqpGBQ_E6ApfL34RpTLa0cs0d5t4SKcbqxTPpUyI8L9kKEL).

Tags: discrimination, DisruptED, Ed Tech, education, Jane Oates, job shortage, jobs, labor shortage, Ron J Stefanski, skills gap

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