While manufacturers cite talent as a top driver of performance and competitiveness, they continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining the best employees.
Supporting educational initiatives, creating partnerships with schools and changing the perception of manufacturing jobs can help. But a new report says looking to the female labor pool could be one of the biggest sources of untapped talent.
The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and APICS recently released a study which surveyed 20 manufacturing executives and more than 600 women working in the manufacturing industry. It gathered insights on how companies can recruit and retain advanced talented women in manufacturing and found women currently working in manufacturing are overwhelmingly upbeat about the industry. Seventy percent said they would stay in manufacturing if they were starting their career today.
Respondents to the survey said some of the most important employment characteristics include opportunities for challenging and interesting assignments, good pay, and a strong work-life balance. Other things female manufacturing workers said they desired were formal and informal mentorship programs, flexible work schedules, and a visibility of female leaders serving as role models.
Trina Huelsman, vice chairman, co-author of the research at Deloitte & Touche LLP, said the industry is missing out on a big resource of talent that could close the immediate skills gap and help increase America’s competitiveness in the global manufacturing landscape. She said organizations can “reap big rewards” by unleashing the potential of women in the industry.
“Organizations that make recruitment, retention and advancement of women a strategic priority can bring diverse decision-making perspectives, drive innovation and creative solutions that can achieve overall better business performance,” Huelsman said.
Yet to really attract female workers, manufacturers may have to adjust some of their policies. Much like younger workers, women generally seek more flexible work opportunities that include flexible hours and more time off.
The study also revealed that recognition can have a significant impact on promoting opportunities for women in manufacturing. The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) initiative has honored more than 540 women in the past four years. Seventy five percent of those surveyed said being recognized helped raise the visibility of opportunities for women in the industry.
AJ Jorgenson, the AVP of Strategic Engagement at The Manufacturing Institute and director of the STEP program, feels women can bring a fresh perspective to many roles, from engineering to design and marketing. “The future of manufacturing relies on women. And, as an industry, it is our responsibility to demonstrate our commitment to building the workforce of tomorrow,” Jorgenson said.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
