The manufacturing industry stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a formidable challenge — a continuously widening skills gap. As technological demands surge, manufacturers have already started to recognise that retaining skilled talent is as pivotal as acquiring it.
According to research by Make UK, The Manufacturers' Organisation, a staggering 80% of UK manufacturers are fearful that the skills gap could delay their digitalisation endeavours. Here’s why focusing on retention strategies is vitally important for creating a sustainable future in the industry.
What’s happening in the manufacturing sector?
Statistics vividly illustrate the difficulties ahead. There is a rapidly growing demand for modern practices and technology in manufacturing, heightening the need for more skilled workers. However, there is a significant and looming skills gap.
Make UK’s latest research reveals a stark reality—36% of manufacturing vacancies are challenging to fill due to applicants lacking the requisite skills, qualifications, or experience. This figure overshadows the 24% average rate across all other industries. It’s forecasted that there will be a staggering 74,000 unfilled vacancies in the UK alone in 2024, resulting in a £6.5 billion output gap.
The age demographic shift looming on the horizon exacerbates the industry’s challenges. By 2030, the ageing workforce will present a unique set of circumstances - baby boomers turning 85, gen-X-ers turning 65, and millennials turning 50. The manufacturing sector, facing an ageing workforce retiring in large numbers (57% reported employees reducing hours or taking early retirement), must grapple with the waning interest of younger generations and the expiration of programs aiming to bring new employees into the workforce.
Retention Strategies for a Sustainable Future
💻 A Workforce Management Solution that Works
The linchpin of employee retention lies in effective workforce management. Manufacturers must invest in streamlined time tracking, scheduling and performance monitoring to liberate their employees from wasting time following intricate processes.
A well-managed workforce translates to a content workforce, ultimately improving productivity.
🚀 Upskilling Initiatives
Acknowledging the skill gap head-on, manufacturing businesses should embrace upskilling initiatives. Industry giants like Amazon, with a £524 million upskilling investment, and Microsoft, who have committed to upskilling 25 million workers, exemplify a shift towards retraining the existing workforce.
Providing opportunities for skill development from within can bridge the skills gap often felt by the inability to recruit new talent.
💪 Workplace Flexibility
Providing opportunities for job rotation, cross-training, and skill diversification allows employees to explore different roles and responsibilities within the production line or company. By offering diverse job experiences, manufacturers enhance job satisfaction, stimulate professional growth, and reduce the risk of burnout among employees.
Moreover, a flexible workplace demonstrates agility and innovation, giving manufacturers the power to respond effectively to changing market dynamics and technological advancements.
❤🩹 Employee Relations and Wellbeing
Challenges arising from an ageing workforce and disinterest among younger generations necessitate a focus on positive employee relations and enhanced wellbeing. Addressing concerns about reduced hours or early retirements is more important than it ever has been within the sector.
A supportive and inclusive workplace becomes the bedrock for loyalty and commitment.
🔍 Predictive Analytics for Proactive Workforce Management
One of the most powerful advantages of using technology like HR Duo is the ability to use predictive analytics. By analysing data on employee attendance, performance, and engagement, manufacturers can foresee potential retention risks before they become issues.
With predictive analytics, HR teams can monitor trends like absenteeism, productivity dips, or early signs of burnout. HR Duo allows managers to take proactive measures, such as implementing wellness programs or adjusting schedules, to address issues before they escalate into turnover. This foresight helps businesses stay ahead of potential talent shortages, keeping their workforce intact and engaged.
🤖 Automation to Reduce Administrative Burden
Automating repetitive tasks is a game-changer for retention. Platforms like HR Duo remove administrative burdens, such as manual payroll calculations, leave requests, and time-off approvals, which can weigh down both employees and HR teams. Automation improves accuracy, eliminates bottlenecks, and empowers teams to focus on more strategic and fulfilling work.
For employees, this means fewer frustrations with tedious processes, more time dedicated to meaningful tasks, and an overall improvement in their job experience. By automating these processes, manufacturers can improve employee satisfaction and free up HR teams to focus on culture-building and engagement efforts, both key to retention.
📈 Data-Driven Insights to Enhance Employee Experience
HR Duo’s data-driven insights allow manufacturers to create a more personalised employee experience. With access to real-time workforce data, managers can identify patterns in employee preferences, needs, and behaviours. This helps manufacturers tailor initiatives like flexible schedules, recognition programs, and training opportunities to individual employees or teams.
The result is a more engaged workforce that feels valued and supported. When employees feel that their unique contributions and needs are recognised, they’re far more likely to stay with the organisation long-term.
🔐 Ensuring Compliance with Evolving Regulations
In an industry as complex as manufacturing, compliance with regulations is crucial, particularly when it comes to safety, labour laws, and certifications. HR Duo helps manufacturers stay ahead of evolving regulations by providing automated updates on compliance requirements and tracking employee certifications.
By ensuring compliance with minimal effort, manufacturers can reduce legal risks and create a safer, more trustworthy work environment—both critical factors for employee retention.
A Modern Manufacturing Workforce with HR Duo
Amid today's challenges, HR Duo stands tall as a steadfast solution for the manufacturing sector. We seamlessly blend cutting-edge workforce management software and HR expertise to present a dynamic platform to resolve the industry's most pressing issues:
- Efficient Workforce Management
HR Duo's streamlined time tracking and scheduling capabilities empower manufacturers to navigate complex processes effortlessly, creating a content and focused workforce.
In short; we take the hassle out of managing staff time. You'll easily identify absenteeism patterns, structure rotas, and seamlessly record work hours through various methods, including the convenience of our mobile app or advanced facial/biometric technology. - Strategic Upskilling
With HR Duo, upskilling becomes a strategic initiative. Using the platform's tools to identify skills gaps to tailor upskilling programs that align with industry demands, ensuring a workforce equipped for the future.
Manufacturing employees often require specific training and certifications to operate machinery or perform certain tasks safely. HR Duo can track employee training records, certifications, and renewal dates, ensuring that employees remain compliant and competent in their roles. - Comprehensive HR Support
HR Duo provides invaluable employee relations advice and a compliant ecosystem of documents, templates, and policies. This support helps manufacturers navigate the challenges posed by an ageing workforce, ensuring a secure, informed, and compliant HR environment.
Our intuitive employee assistance program also offers counselling services, financial assistance, and support for personal and professional challenges demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being and resilience.
See it to believe it
Ready to experience the transformative power of HR Duo firsthand? Schedule your personalised demo today and unlock the potential of streamlined workforce management, strategic HR support, and unparalleled expertise.
