By Bill Remy, Shannon Gabriel
As outlined in Bill’s recent article, “Five Ways Manufacturers Can Bolster Agility” Shannon and Bill focused on strategy #1, Level up Labor Practices, where the focus of their discussion was on the critical aspects of engaging people, identifying the right talent, and what companies must do to attract and retain them effectively.
Read the summary below or view the video above to discover innovative strategies for tackling the skills gap and reducing turnover, moving beyond conventional HR methods:
In their discussion, Shannon emphasized the importance of adapting hiring strategies beyond the conventional reliance on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed, suggesting that a creative approach to recruitment is essential in today’s competitive job market. A key point raised was the need for companies to reassess their interview processes to not only evaluate candidates but also to highlight the benefits of working with the organization, thereby making it a top choice for potential employees.
A significant challenge discussed was the high turnover within the first ninety days of employment. Shannon advised against rushing the onboarding process, regardless of the urgency to fill positions. She pointed out that the most skilled operators might not always make the best trainers and highlighted the importance of a thorough and patient training process to convert high-potential employees into long-term assets.
Bill and Shannon touched on the adaptation required to accommodate workers transitioning from different sectors, such as retail, into industrial environments. Techniques such as pre-employment tours, informative videos, and realistic job previews can ease this transition, preparing new hires for the physical demands of their roles.
Flexibility in work arrangements was identified as a critical factor for attracting and retaining top talent. Offering partial shifts to accommodate stay-at-home parents, hybrid schedules for top performers needing work-life balance, and open feedback mechanisms like performance evaluations where employees can also assess the company, were recommended strategies.
To sum up, Bill and Shannon emphasized the importance of flexibility, thorough onboarding, and the need for a more engaging and reciprocal recruitment process. These strategies are not just about filling vacancies but about building a resilient and responsive workforce capable of sustaining business growth and competitiveness.
Check out the other episodes of Bill Remy’s “Five Ways Manufacturers Can Bolster Agility” video series.
Strategy #2: Level Up Productivity in Manufacturing: A Systematic Approach to Financial Gains
Strategy #3: Beware of Technology FOMO: Implementing Technology to Drive Productivity.
Strategy #4: Supply Chain Risk and Mitigation Strategies in Manufacturing
Strategy #5: Find Hidden Opportunities in ESG – Coming soon
Private Equity Operational Due Diligence + Value Creation
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