Being competitive is even more important in attracting talent

COVID-19 highlighted many problems for manufacturing companies that existed just under the surface. The decreasing talent pool and aging workforce is just one example of a tsunami that economists have been warning us of for years.

Dealing with mandatory spacing requirements, isolation and shutdown criteria, and illness during the pandemic has only served to further intensify this issue.

With the roll out of vaccines and the economy slowly recovering, it will be even more important to carefully look at your business and see what staffing and workforce changes can be made to thrive and not just survive in the future.

Employees across all functions have learned how to complete tasks remotely, using digital communication and collaboration tools. In operations, changes go further, with an accelerated decline in manual and repetitive tasks and a rise in the need for analytical and technical support. This shift will call for even more of a substantial investment in workforce engagement and training in new skills, much of it delivered using digital tools. Right now, the competition for skilled trades is intense and the lack of young talent is a concern.

Companies need to ask themselves:

1.     How can they mentor and grow staff?

2.     What competitive advantages can you offer your skilled trades?

3.     How much manual labour is being used throughout your facility?

4.     Are there certain processes that could be automated and reduce the demand of a human workforce?

Ask yourself these questions and then visit the Forge Ahead website at www.forgeaheadatlantic.com to learn more about Advanced Manufacturing success stories from right here in the Atlantic Provinces and how your business can benefit.

Right now, businesses must look ahead or get left behind.