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The economic growth of Mato Grosso brings a growing concern: the shortage of labor. In Cuiabá, the lack of qualified professionals has become a challenge for companies in various sectors.
The economic growth of Mato Grosso, driven by trade, industry and agribusiness, has generated a growing concern: the shortage of labor. In Cuiabá, the lack of qualified professionals has become an obstacle for companies in various sectors. This situation occurs because population growth has not kept pace with economic expansion.
According to IBGE data released in 2024, the state is experiencing a period of so-called full employment, where practically everyone looking for work finds a job quickly. However, this results in an insufficient number of professionals to fill all available vacancies, impacting companies' productivity.
Agribusiness and migration contribute to scarcity
Two factors are highlighted as aggravating the lack of labor in the capital of Mato Grosso: the migration of workers to agribusiness regions and the lack of professional qualifications.
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Júnior Macagnam, president of the Chamber of Shopkeepers (CDL) of Cuiabá, explains that, although agribusiness is not a major generator of direct jobs, it attracts many companies, creating hub cities that absorb the workforce.
“This worsened the lack of labor in Cuiabá, as the supply of jobs increased, but the population did not grow at the same rate,” says Macagnam.
The impact of this situation can be easily seen in the capital's commerce. In several neighborhoods, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies and stores display signs advertising open positions. In the Goiabeiras neighborhood, for example, the Astra Mix supermarket has been posting a hiring notice since July of last year, seeking professionals for positions such as cashier, stocker and cleaning assistant.
Bar and restaurant sector faces difficulties
The food sector also suffers from a lack of labor. Businessman Giuliano Belo, owner of Cupim Bar and member of the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (abrasel), reports that for over a year he has had difficulty hiring employees.
“I’ve been in the business for 21 years and I’ve never seen a period as difficult as this one. 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 makes hiring difficult in the sector. According to Belo, although there have been no cases of restaurants closing due to lack of employees 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 couldn’t find professionals. When the position requires a specialization, such as sushi chef, the difficulty is even greater,” he says.
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 to invest in qualification of new professionals.
“Many companies are offering first jobs and training employees to ensure their loyalty. In addition, benefits such as food vouchers, health insurance and bonuses are being used to keep the team motivated,” he explains.
Businessman Giuliano Belo also believes in this strategy. “We create opportunities for those looking for 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.
Immigration and search for labor in the Northeast
While some professionals leave Cuiabá in search of opportunities in agribusiness, workers from other regions are helping to alleviate the situation. The capital of Mato Grosso has received Venezuelan, Haitian and Bolivian immigrants, who are finding opportunities in the local market.
“I have Venezuelans in my company and the results have been very good. We invested in training and education, and they adapted well,” says Macagnam.
Another alternative adopted by businesspeople has been to recruit workers from states in the Northeast, where unemployment rates are higher. “We have brought many young people from Maranhão, because the competition for jobs there is greater. Here, they have better opportunities,” explains Belo.
The lack of labor continues to be a challenge for Cuiabá, requiring companies to adapt to the new dynamics of the labor market. Investing in professional qualifications and attractive working conditions will be essential to balance the supply and demand for jobs in the capital of Mato Grosso.
Source: MidiaNews
