September/October 2024 - 16

LABOR
Addressing labor challenges
Resources available to help recruit, retain employees
T
he shortage of labor, especially skilled workers, is a
chronic lament in manufacturing. As technology and
markets have evolved, the knowledge and qualities
workers need to be successful have shifted.
The workforce has changed too, as younger employees
replace retirees. New strategies and resources are needed to
ensure prospective hires possess the right skill set and that
employers are prepared to recruit, develop and retain
productive, satisfied workers.
As of August 2023, the manufacturing sector was battling
to fill a gap of 616,000 workers (the difference between the
number of open jobs and the number of unemployed people),
according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This gap won't disappear any time soon. A study by
Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute (MI), Taking
Charge: Manufacturers Support Growth with Active
Workforce Strategies, found that half of the 3.8 million
jobs expected to open between 2024 and 2033 will
remain vacant.
Thus, it's no surprise that attracting and retaining talent
is the primary business challenge for 65% of respondents in
the 2024 First Quarter Manufacturers' Outlook Survey by
the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
To recruit and retain employees, consumer packaged
goods firms and other manufacturers have adopted a variety
of tactics, including:
* Automating processes
* Prioritizing ease of use
* Establishing competitive compensation and
benefits programs
* Enhancing company culture
* Offering clear paths for advancement, and
* Supporting opportunities for students and young
16 SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2 0 24
By Tom Egan
Contributing Writer
professionals to learn about career opportunities
in manufacturing
AUTOMATING PROCESSES
Automated technologies can improve efficiency and
productivity while allowing employees to shift to less tedious
or physically taxing tasks. Using automation to address labor
force shortages has been a success, according to 2023
Sustainability and Technology - the Future of Packaging and
Processing, a report from PMMI, The Association for
Packaging and Processing Technologies.
With costs declining and ease of use soaring, robotics are a
popular automation tool, especially for end-of-line tasks such
as case packing and palletizing. Cobots, automated guided
vehicles, and mobile robots are automating an ever-growing
range of up- and downstream processes.
Automation also accelerates demand for digital competency
as operations become more complex and information from
smart connected devices and systems needs to be integrated
and analyzed. Workers with knowledge of simulation and
simulation software are especially sought after.
Today's machines are equipped with more intuitive human/
machine interfaces. In many cases, operators can access
visual aids and tutorials to expedite setup, operation,
troubleshooting and maintenance.
At the same time, end users are shifting some monitoring,
troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and training duties
from in-house personnel to the original equipment
manufacturer (OEM), often relying on remote support and
predictive maintenance.
COMPENSATION AND CULTURE
Competitive compensation is key to successful recruitment
and retention. However, it should be noted that Gen Z
September/October 2024

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