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JANUARY 2025
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Remote work rates are declining but remain well above pre-pandemic levels |
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As the work-from-home landscape continues to evolve, San Bernardino County businesses are adapting to new norms in workplace flexibility. While remote work surged during the pandemic, recent data shows a decline in these arrangements. In 2021, 13.6% of workers in the county worked from home, but by 2023, this figure had decreased to 9.9%. Still, these rates remain twice as high as pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the lasting impact of COVID-19 on workforce trends.
For many of our region’s key industries, such as healthcare, logistics and manufacturing, remote work presents unique challenges due to the hands-on nature of these fields. However, for roles that allow flexibility, businesses must carefully balance operational needs with employee expectations to remain competitive in today’s labor market.
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is here to support local businesses as they navigate these changes. Our Business Services team offers personalized consultations to help employers develop strategies for workforce management, including hybrid and remote work arrangements. Additionally, our free HR Hotline at (877) 282-3763 provides expert advice on compliance and workplace policies. Don’t miss our free employer workshops held throughout the year to stay informed about the latest workforce trends and solutions.
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Message from the Chair
Together, we can make 2025 a year of growth and opportunity for businesses
By William Sterling
WDB Chair
As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible resilience and innovation that define our business community here in San Bernardino County. Our economy continues to grow stronger, and together, we are building a future filled with opportunity and success.
At the Workforce Development Board (WDB), we are your partner in navigating today’s dynamic labor market. Whether it’s through our On-The-Job Training program, which offsets a portion of wages during the training period, or our free Labor Market Intelligence reports, we offer the tools and resources to help your business thrive. Our team also provides counseling and expert guidance tailored to meet your workforce needs.
Let’s make 2025 a year of continued prosperity as we work together to ensure San Bernardino County remains a leader in innovation and opportunity. We invite you to connect with us and explore all that WDB has to offer.
Here’s to a successful year ahead!
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How WDB helped this employer provide training funds to fill a critical position |
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By Kathie Ammar, General Manager, Desert Regional Tourism Agency
Filling our Operations Manager position proved to be a challenge for the Desert Regional Tourism Agency. After two unsuccessful attempts, we were determined to find the right fit. That’s when we met Linda, who had been laid off from Spectrum and was eager to re-enter the workforce.
Recognizing Linda’s potential, we turned to Sal Monica, a Business Services Specialist with the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) and a trusted partner over the years. With Sal's guidance, we secured funding through WDB’s On-The-Job Training program, enabling us to hire Linda and provide her with the necessary training.
From her very first day, Linda brought enthusiasm and a willingness to dive right in. She quickly adapted to our operations, offering fresh ideas and fostering a collaborative spirit that significantly enhanced our team dynamics.
We’re thrilled to share that Linda has successfully completed her training and is now an integral part of our agency. This experience has reaffirmed the value of partnerships like ours with the WDB. We’re excited to continue this collaboration and create more success stories that benefit both our organization and our community.
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Monthly Labor Market Update
 The job market in San Bernardino County and the broader Inland Empire saw strong growth in November, with notable hiring increases across key sectors. The logistics industry added 6,500 jobs across the two-county region, followed by government (3,500 new positions) and healthcare (1,900.) On a year-over-year basis, healthcare led all sectors, adding more than 20,000 jobs. Additionally, San Bernardino County’s labor force grew by 4,700, bringing it closer to its record high of 1.026 million, achieved a year ago.
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 I remember my first job as if it were yesterday. In 1987, at just 16 years old, I had the opportunity to work as a seasonal custodian at Knott’s Berry Farm during their famed Halloween season, now known as Knott’s Scary Farm.
That experience taught me two invaluable lessons.
The first was the importance of preparation. My dad strongly encouraged me to wear a formal dress shirt, tie, slacks and a sports coat to my interview to make a great first impression. I resisted at first, dismissing it as “just a temporary job.” But his insistence taught me a valuable lesson about how your presentation can shape how others perceive you. Dressing formally broke the ice and facilitated a meaningful dialogue with the management team. It gave them the opportunity to better understand my background and readiness, ultimately setting me apart.
The second lesson was the significance of work ethic, dependability and integrity. While these values are closely connected, they stood out to me as a 16-year-old and became the foundation of my approach to work. These attributes helped me earn full-time status at Knott’s Berry Farm and remain the cornerstone of my professional mindset to this day.
In my career, I’ve learned that skill, talent and ability will always take a backseat to work ethic, dependability and integrity. These values are what truly define success in any role.
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Stat of the Month
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Connecting Employers and Job Seekers
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board hosts hiring events at the County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and other venues throughout the year. Coming up:
Thursday, January 16: Career Fair, Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, Chino. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, January 23: Career Fair, Apple Valley Conference Center, 14975 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, February 20: Career Fair, West Valley America’s Job Center of California, 9650 9th St., Suite B, Rancho Cucamonga. 9 a.m.-Noon.
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Coming Up
WDB hosts free virtual seminars throughout the week to help job seekers on topics such as interviewing skills, resume building and navigating the employment resources that are available. If you know of anyone who could use this valuable assistance, a calendar of upcoming sessions is available here.
In the meantime, here are some upcoming events and release dates:
Friday, January 17: California Employment Development Department releases its December jobs report.
Wednesday, January 22: WDB Committee Meetings, 290 North D St., Suite 600, San Bernardino, 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Friday, February 7: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its January jobs report.
Wednesday, February 12: WDB General Board Meeting, 290 North D St., Suite 600, San Bernardino, 9-11 a.m.
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 On any given day, San Bernardino County’s three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) have access to 100 or more job seekers ready and able to fill your positions. To find that perfect employee for your business, please contact your local AJCC:
East Valley: 500 Inland Center Drive, Space 508, San Bernardino (909) 382-0440
West Valley: 9650 9th Street, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga (909) 941-6500
High Desert: 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville (760) 552-6550
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Stay up to date
Click here to catch up on past editions of Workforce Update, WDB’s monthly e-newsletter and labor market intelligence report.
If you know others who would like to receive this timely and important information, please invite them to join our mailing list at info.workforce@wdd.sbcounty.gov.
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- WIOA Title I-financially assisted programs or activities are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For federal funding disclosure information, visit: workforce.sbcounty.gov/about/ffd/
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