Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
The Economic Advancement of Mato Grosso Brings a Growing Concern: Labor Shortages. In Cuiabá, the Lack of Qualified Professionals Has Become a Challenge for Companies in Various Sectors.
The economic advancement of Mato Grosso, driven by commerce, industry, and agribusiness, has generated a growing concern: labor shortages. In Cuiabá, the lack of qualified professionals has become an obstacle for companies in various sectors. The situation occurs because population growth has not kept pace with economic expansion.
According to data from IBGE released in 2024, the state is experiencing a moment called full employment, where virtually everyone seeking work finds a job quickly. However, this results in an insufficient number of professionals to fill all available positions, impacting the productivity of companies.
Agribusiness and Migration Contribute to the Shortage
Two factors are pointed out as aggravating the lack of labor in the capital of Mato Grosso: the migration of workers to agribusiness regions and the shortage of professional qualifications.
-
The nuclear submarine that never arrives: The Álvaro Alberto project has accumulated 47 years of development, R$ 40 billion spent since 2008, and may now be delayed until 2037 due to a lack of R$ 1 billion in the Brazilian Navy’s coffers.
-
At 30, 40, or 50, starting over is no longer an exception: 7 high-demand areas in Brazil value experience, business acumen, and digital proficiency
-
Pork fat discarded by Brazilian meatpackers becomes an unexpected solution to replace petroleum-derived greases and lubricants, reducing friction by 54% in laboratory tests and raising an alert in a US$60 billion global market still dependent on mineral oil.
-
Chinese giant GWM accelerates expansion in Brazil with a new billion-dollar factory, bets on exports, and prepares an offensive with electrified cars to dominate the market.
Júnior Macagnam, president of the Chamber of Shopkeepers (CDL) of Cuiabá, explains that despite agribusiness not being a major generator of direct jobs, it attracts many companies, creating hub cities that absorb the workforce.
“This has aggravated the labor shortage in Cuiabá, as it increased the supply of jobs, but the population did not grow at the same rate,” says Macagnam.
The impact of this situation can be easily observed in the capital’s commerce. In various neighborhoods, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and stores display signs announcing open positions. In the Goiabeiras neighborhood, for example, the Astra Mix supermarket has maintained a hiring notice since July of last year, seeking professionals for roles such as cashier, stocker, and cleaning assistant.
The Bar and Restaurant Sector Faces Difficulties
The food sector also suffers from labor shortages. Businessman Giuliano Belo, owner of Cupim Bar and a member of the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel), reports that he has been facing difficulties in hiring staff for over a year.
“I have been in the business for 21 years and have never seen a period as difficult as now. Many professionals have migrated to transportation and delivery apps, seeking flexibility,” he comments.
The requirement to work on weekends and holidays is another factor that complicates hiring in the sector. According to Belo, although there have not yet been cases of restaurant closures due to staff shortages in Cuiabá, cities in the interior are already facing this reality.
“In Sinop and Sorriso, there are reports of companies that opened and closed because they could not find professionals. When the position requires specialization, such as a sushi chef, the difficulty is even greater,” he states.
Companies Seek Solutions to Attract Workers
Faced with the challenge of labor shortages, business owners have adopted strategies to attract and retain talent. Júnior Macagnam emphasizes that one of the main initiatives has been investing in the qualification of new professionals.
“Many companies are offering the first job and training employees to retain them. In addition, benefits such as food vouchers, health plans, and bonuses are being utilized to keep the team motivated,” he explains.
Businessman Giuliano Belo also bets on this strategy. “We create opportunities for those seeking their first job. In our segment, it is possible to grow quickly. We have had cases of employees who became managers in two or three years,” he highlights.
Migration and the Search for Labor in the Northeast
While some professionals leave Cuiabá in search of opportunities in agribusiness, workers from other regions help alleviate the situation. The capital of Mato Grosso has welcomed Venezuelan, Haitian, and Bolivian immigrants, who find opportunities in the local market.
“I have Venezuelans in my company and the results have been very good. We invest in training and development, and they have adapted well,” affirms Macagnam.
Another alternative adopted by business owners has been recruiting labor from northeastern states, where unemployment rates are higher. “We have been bringing many young people from Maranhão, as the competition for jobs there is greater. Here, they have better opportunities,” explains Belo.
The labor shortage remains a challenge for Cuiabá, requiring companies to adapt to the new dynamics of the labor market. Investing in professional training and attractive working conditions will be essential to balance the supply and demand for jobs in the capital of Mato Grosso.
Source: MidiaNews
Be the first to react!