The manufacturing industry is experiencing a transformation. Automation and technological advancements are reshaping the sector, leading to a growing need for workers. However, due to skill gaps and mismatches, there will be a shortage of 2.1 million manufacturing jobs by 2030.
Given the increasing competition in the sector, manufacturers are using tactics to attract and retain talent. Read this comprehensive guide to learn effective ways to attract and retain talent in the manufacturing industry.
Recognizing What Top Talent Desires
Today, offering compensation and benefits has become a standard expectation and no longer serves as an upper hand. Thus, to retain top-tier talent, it has become crucial to ensure a work experience that transcends financial rewards. Here’s an overview of what holds significance for them:
Flexibility: Flexible work hours, remote work options, and a predictable schedule
Growth and Development: Upskilling programs for tuition reimbursement and mentorship to bridge skill gaps
Employee Satisfaction: A workplace environment where employees feel respected and heard
Pay and Benefits: Can create an appeal to potential recruits
How to Attract and Retain Top Manufacturing Talent?
To draw in individuals you need more than putting up a job listing. Establishing a top-performing reputation as an employer is crucial for attracting talent in the manufacturing field. Here are some key pointers for luring talent in the manufacturing sector:
1. Employer Branding
In a study, 83% of global workers reported that a strong employer brand is important when considering a new job. Here’s how to build a strong employer brand in the manufacturing sector:
2. Showcase the Modern Face of Manufacturing
Manufacturing is no longer deemed factory labor. According to research conducted by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, a significant 77% of manufacturing roles involve creativity. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the latest developments in the field.
Emphasize the incorporation of technology, robotics, automation, and data-driven methods in your operations. Showcase your commitment to sustainability to appeal to candidates who prioritize consciousness.
3. Leverage Social Media Platforms
Given the digital evolution, prospective job seekers look for opportunities online. Thus, create job posts on social media platforms like LinkedIn. While doing so, focus on highlighting your company’s culture, sharing stories from existing employees, listing the perks of joining your organization, etc.
4. Collaborate with Institutions and Training Programs
Another effective way is to collaborate with schools, technical colleges, and universities that provide engineering programs. You can also consider participating in job fairs to establish connections with talented individuals. Moreover, offer internship programs to provide opportunities to freshers and students and help them navigate career options within your enterprise.
A well-defined recruitment process not only attracts top talent but also improves the candidate experience. Here’s how to streamline your recruitment process:
1. Streamlined Application Process
A recent study by Greenhouse found that60% of job seekers abandon applications due to a complex or lengthy process. This makes it crucial to offer a user-friendly and mobile-optimized online application process. To streamline the process and ensure timely conversation with the prospective candidates, you can implement an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
2. Focus on Skills-Based Assessments
Instead of traditional resumes that solely highlight work experience, consider skill-based assessments. This will help you evaluate the capacity of a candidate to get a better judgment about their performance at your organization. Moreover, you can get a clear picture of who has a conventional background yet possesses the necessary skills.
3. Highlight Company Culture During Interviews
The interview process works both ways. Besides assessing the candidate’s capabilities, you get a chance to showcase your company culture, share employee stories, and showcase the perks of being part of your team.
How can the Manufacturing Industry Keep Its Talent?
In the current job market, it’s vital for companies to attract and retain their top talent. With plenty of job options for workers, manufacturers must implement strategies to retain their best employees.
1. Offering a Compensation and Benefits Package
A compensation and benefits package is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. According to a 2023 report by the Small Business Association of Michigan,compensation and benefits rank as the factors in employees’ decisions to stay with their current employer. Here are some tips on ensuring your package remains competitive:
Strategy
Description
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Conduct regular market research to ensure competitiveness
Adjust salaries and benefits to stay ahead of the curve
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Includes health insurance, dental/vision insurance, retirement plans (with employer matching), and paid time off
Consider additional benefits like wellness programs, childcare assistance, and student loan repayment programs
2. Continuous Learning and Development (L&D)
Employees today crave opportunities for growth and development. Investing in your workforce demonstrates your commitment to their long-term success and keeps them engaged. Here’s how to promote continuous learning:
Strategy
Description
Continuous Learning and Development
Offer training programs in technical skills (automation, robotics, data analysis) and soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving).
Skill Development for Industry Advancements
Encourage employees to develop skills relevant to emerging technologies.
Tuition Reimbursement or Scholarships
Provide financial assistance for relevant education/certifications to invest in employee growth and bridge the skills gap.
3. Creating a Positive Work Environment
Here are some ways to create a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated:
Strategy
Description
Invest in Employee Well-being
Promote work-life balance with flexible scheduling and paid time off
Implement mental health initiatives like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Open Communication and Recognition Programs
Encourage open communication through regular feedback and addressing concerns
Delegate tasks, provide autonomy, and encourage ownership
This calls for initiative, problem-solving, and contribution to company success
Remember, investing in your workforce is an investment. Therefore, implement these strategies to develop a work environment that encourages employee engagement, satisfaction, and, ultimately, retention.
Success Stories: How to Retain Employees in the Manufacturing Industry?
The methods described earlier offer a guide to drawing in and keeping talent in the manufacturing industry. However, sometimes, real-life examples can be motivating. In this section, we will look at the success stories of companies that have implemented strategies to ensure their employees are involved and content.
These instances demonstrate how manufacturers can connect theory with reality, creating a workplace where exceptional talent flourishes.
1. Siemens
Siemens, a highly recognized corporation based in Germany, aims to attract talent by highlighting the cutting-edge technological advancements taking place in their manufacturing plants. It leverages media platforms, such as Instagram to offer employees a sneak peek into the dynamic realm of contemporary manufacturing.
Siemens uses virtual reality tours to attract people who haven’t considered a career in manufacturing. By showcasing their cutting-edge production facilities and exciting projects, they aim to spark curiosity and interest in the generation about opportunities in the industry.
2. Boeing
Boeing, an aerospace company, has collaborated with local colleges and vocational schools to create training programs tailored to their production requirements. This initiative aims to cultivate a pool of individuals prepared to fill job openings.
3. GE Aviation
GE Aviation primarily emphasizes employee training and advancement. In fact, they offer initiatives like tuition reimbursement schemes and leadership development options to support employees in advancing their careers.
The manufacturing sector is currently experiencing transformations. By implementing the advice provided in this blog, manufacturers can build a reputation as employers, attract high-quality employees, and create a workplace culture that promotes engagement, development, and employee retention. Prioritizing investment in your workforce is no longer a choice; it’s essential for the lasting success of any manufacturing business.
Creating an employer brand and implementing the strategies mentioned earlier will position your manufacturing company as an option for top talent in today’s competitive job market.
Reach out to Engagedly for a seamless mentoring integration and create connections to kickstart this journey today! Empower your employees to help them reach their full potential and encourage knowledge-sharing culture.
Mentoring helps leaders
Develop skills to drive organizational success and improve business outcomes
Create a leadership development pipeline for future leaders
Increase employee engagement and retention with effective mentoring programs
Mentoring helps managers
Develop leadership and management skills to improve team performance and productivity
Build stronger relationships with direct reports
Foster an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative environment
Mentoring helps individual employees
Identify opportunities for career growth through effective mentoring relationships
Improve performance and productivity with mentoring support
Create a sense of support and belonging fostered by effective mentoring programs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key preferences of employees in the manufacturing industry today?
While pay and benefits matter, factors like maintaining a work-life balance, opportunities for career advancement, and a supportive work environment rank high as well.
2. How can manufacturing companies enhance their reputation as employers?
By showcasing the aspects of manufacturing through technology and sustainability initiatives. Utilize media to engage with hires and collaborate with educational institutions to cultivate a pool of skilled talent.
3. What strategies can be implemented to retain performing employees in the manufacturing sector?
Offer compensation packages training for skill enhancement and create a positive workplace culture that emphasizes wellness, transparent communication, and recognizing employee contributions.
Srikant Chellappa is the Co-Founder and CEO at Engagedly and is a passionate entrepreneur and people leader. He is an author, producer/director of 6 feature films, a music album with his band Manchester Underground, and is the host of The People Strategy Leaders Podcast. He is currently working on his next book, Ikigai at the Workplace, which is slated for release in the fall of 2024.