Matthew HeereyEasing Labor and Skills-Shortage Concerns with Proactive Talent Growth
August 5, 2024Comments
Labor shortages and skills gaps may not be new to manufacturing, but they continue to present unique challenges.
Labor shortages and skills gaps may not be new to manufacturing, but they continue to present unique challenges. Recent data from Deloitte find that if current trends persist, by 2033 the manufacturing industry will require 3.8 million new employees, and 1.9 million jobs may go unfilled. Likewise, research from ECI Software Solutions finds that manufacturers in 48 of 50 states lack a sufficient number of employees searching for open positions.
Post-pandemic, the demand for manufacturing workers has increased at such a rate that the labor crisis may be worsening. For manufacturers to fully prepare to grow amid these challenges, they must adopt strategies that can augment their existing workers, as well as attract and retain new employees through enhanced offerings and career-growth opportunities.
Proactivity is a must, and it starts with technology. By leveraging innovative solutions, manufacturers can improve operational efficiency while upleveling the tasks required of new and existing employees. In turn, increased responsibility and fulfillment creates a positive environment, helping to ensure that manufacturers can look towards future growth, despite the challenging climate.
Contextualizing the Difficult Skills Shortage
At the core of the skills shortage: a perception problem for manufacturers. Manufacturing can be seen as offering less-desirable career choices than other industries, due to negative perceptions of wages and job security, as well as physically demanding workplace conditions. The industry also suffers from concerns regarding limited career-advancement opportunities.
Manufacturers can combat these perceptions by investing in modern technology and providing growth opportunities for employees, positioning their companies on the cutting edge for talent attraction and retention. Reaching out to young people still in high school and making them aware of the breadth of opportunities in manufacturing can be impactful. Exposing students to the various career opportunities in the industry can reduce negative perceptions about factory work and give students a foundation for making their mark in manufacturing. Given the desire of incoming employees to grow and advance in their careers, it is crucial to avoid pitfalls such as failing to invest in state-of-the-art technology. Committing to making the necessary technological and cultural changes can position manufacturers for ongoing success.
Grow Alongside Your Employees
As manufacturers look to grow, they must do so with a mindset of bringing in the next wave of talent. Beyond new talent development, the retention and skills development of current employees also plays a pivotal role. As the manufacturing sector aims to hire, onboard and retain valuable employees, outdated management systems only add to these challenges. To meet future workforce needs, manufacturers must invest in innovative solutions to strengthen their teams. Emphasizing upskilling and automation will be essential in shaping the industry's future.
