--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Whenever you see some business person…" description: "\"Whenever you see some business person quoted complaining about how he or she can't find workers with the necessary skills, ask what wage they're offeri..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f97/paul-krugman-2255_asks_whenever-you-see-some-business-person-qu_2142948.png" --- # Whenever you see some business person quoted complaining… ![“Whenever you see some business person quoted complaining about how he or she can't find workers with the necessary skills, ask what wage they're offering. Almost always it turns out what said business person really wants is highly (and expensively) educated workers at a manual-labor wage. No…” quote by Paul Krugman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f97/paul-krugman-2255_asks_whenever-you-see-some-business-person-qu_2142948.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f97/paul-krugman-2255_asks_whenever-you-see-some-business-person-qu_2142948.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f97/paul-krugman-2255_asks_whenever-you-see-some-business-person-qu_2142948.png) > “Whenever you see some business person quoted complaining about how he or she can't find workers with the necessary skills, ask what wage they're offering. Almost always it turns out what said business person really wants is highly (and expensively) educated workers at a manual-labor wage. No wonder they come up short.” [Paul Krugman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-krugman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Employers blame skill shortages while offering low wages for skilled work. **In simple terms:** Low wages deter skilled workers, causing perceived shortages. Key Takeaway Align wages with skill levels to attract talent. Themes economics labor market wage policy Mood analytical critical Type economic political When to use this quote - recruitment - policy making - business strategy - education funding Key Concepts human capital education employment Questions to Reflect On - How can firms balance wage levels and profitability? - What policies could address skill gaps? A Different Perspective Higher wages may increase costs for businesses, affecting profitability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Business person](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business-person/) [Labor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labor/) [Manual labor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manual-labor/) [Skills](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/skills/) [Wonder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wonder/) [Workers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/workers/) ## Related quotes > [Significantly opening up immigration to skilled workers solves two problems. The companies could hire the educated workers they need. 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