ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Almost 1,300 vacant positions — that’s what Orange County commissioners are dealing with as the entire country struggles with workforce shortages.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

On Tuesday, county commissioners updated their pay policy after a thousand employees left the county due to family, work-life balance or health reasons, or simply wanting another job with better pay and better hours.

The county is now offering $1,000 bonuses for those who take a position that is considered critical to fill.

UPDATE: Employers add 467K jobs despite economists predicting report to be the worst in years

A full-time employee can earn $400 for referring someone who is hired.

READ: Where have all the workers gone? Here’s what experts, data say is leading to labor shortages

More than 50% of adults who quit their jobs last year changed occupations, studies show.

READ: Orange County COVID-19 testing, vaccination site at Barnett Park to close

Video: Orange County deputy suspended over how he described someone’s hair An Orange County deputy was docked 150 hours over how he described someone's hair. (Daralene Jones, WFTV.com)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.