Maybe you should pay more. This is the reason Alabama is in the bottom 10 in average median. Not much above poverty level.
Supply and demand. If I can find somebody to do your job for less money and same or better quality, why would I not? You need a skill set or an attitude that sets you apart. The low unemployment rate has raised most peoples pay because the supply is low. This pandemic turned that on it's head. There are a lot of people that are currently looking for work, or will be when the government tit runs dry.
Personally, I pay my employees well above average, but demand and receive more from them. It's the Chic Filet approach. I will not hesitate to replace somebody who does not demonstrate why they are worth more than somebody else who is waiting to take their place. We have almost no turnover.
