The manufacturing world is always changing, with new technology and consumer needs. This can bring confusion and challenges, both in how things work and how people feel. Trends like automation, digitalization, and sustainable manufacturing are changing what skills workers need. Now, it’s important to find people who can use advanced machines, understand digital systems, and help make manufacturing more sustainable.
Recruiting such skilled candidates, especially at the entry-level, remains a formidable task in the manufacturing sector. Talent acquisition poses significant challenges, particularly when balancing candidate demands with the business requirements of clients. As a result, manufacturing companies are finding it more and more uncertain if they’ll meet their hiring goals this year.
In recent times, we’ve observed shifts in recruitment trends and the emergence of innovative solutions to overcome challenges. However, these advancements are often followed by new and unique obstacles. Our manufacturing recruitment agency made this blog to discuss 7 hiring trends and how we’ve adjusted to them. We’ll explain how we’ve adapted to these changes to help you understand better.
1. Inflation is driving compensation up
As prices keep going up, manufacturing companies are finding it hard to make enough money while also paying workers more. This means they’re struggling to hire skilled people because they have to offer better pay. To get people to work for them, companies are trying different things like giving bonuses, extra perks, and paying more for certain shifts. Some are also offering part-time jobs or temporary manufacturing staffing that are more flexible, like those in the gig economy.
But it’s not just manufacturing companies that are having trouble finding workers. Because wages are going up in lots of different industries, people have more options for where they want to work. This means manufacturing companies have to compete with other companies, not just in manufacturing, but in other fields too, to find and keep good workers.
2. Prioritizing Ethics and Social Awareness enhances brand image
Giving importance to ethics and social awareness can greatly improve a brand’s reputation. People are more aware of ethical issues around the world, which makes them care more about how companies handle controversial topics. One such issue that often affects the manufacturing industry is sustainability and its impact on the environment. Even if companies are legally compliant, having a bad reputation regarding sustainability can give them a negative image in the eyes of potential applicants.
However, if a company’s sustainability initiatives are clearly conveyed by its recruitment partners, this transparent communication can convince skilled individuals to select the company, even if they previously harbored doubts. This precise communication approach is what we at Prompt Personnel leverage to recruit the ideal talent for manufacturing firms.
3. Layoffs Hit Manufacturing
Layoffs are happening not just in tech but also in manufacturing, especially after the economic troubles caused by the pandemic. As companies struggle to find skilled workers and meet job seekers’ expectations, layoffs can have a big impact.
If a company is known for laying off workers, it can scare away talented people who worry about keeping their jobs. That’s why it’s crucial for manufacturing firms to focus on building strong connections with potential hires and improving their reputation as an employers. By doing this, they can overcome the negative effects of layoffs and attract top talent, even in tough times.
4. Talent attraction and perception of the industry
In 2024, the global talent shortage makes it tough for recruitment agencies for manufacturing to find qualified candidates and win the competition for talent. With the demand for skilled workers higher than the available supply, employers worldwide struggle to fill job openings. This shortage is especially felt in the technology and manufacturing sectors.
In manufacturing, attracting talent and building a positive employer reputation can be challenging. Many people don’t consider manufacturing careers because they have outdated ideas about the industry.
There are various obstacles to overcome, particularly among younger workers. They may think manufacturing jobs are dull, lack creativity, or harm the environment. Women, in particular, may see manufacturing as unattractive since it’s mostly male-dominated.
Despite recognizing the importance of manufacturing for the economy and investment potential, many people are unaware of the industry’s technological advancements, benefits, and salaries. This lack of awareness discourages job seekers from considering manufacturing careers. The misconception that manufacturing is outdated and low-tech contributes to the current shortage of applicants.
As a manufacturing company recruitment, we employ gentle digital tactics across different platforms to share insights about the promising prospects of jobs in the manufacturing industry, aiming to engage with those who may not have considered such opportunities before. This approach gradually generates interest among the online audience, as they absorb positive information about manufacturing careers over time. Eventually, they come to realize that exploring job opportunities in manufacturing companies could be a wise decision.
5. Location doesn’t appeal to workers
The challenges related to the location of manufacturing facilities pose a significant barrier for employers in India. Many factories are situated on the outskirts of urban areas, leading to substantial commuting difficulties for potential employees. The prospect of lengthy travel times, particularly when coupled with demanding shift schedules, dissuades job seekers from pursuing employment in these remote locations. Another factor to think about is that the lifestyle choices of potential candidates might not match the sacrifices needed for these faraway work locations, making it harder to recruit people.
As a result, manufacturing employers face considerable challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers. This struggle ultimately hampers their operational efficiency and constrains their potential for growth. Finding effective strategies to overcome these location-related obstacles is crucial for ensuring the long-term success and competitiveness of manufacturing businesses in India.
As a potential solution to eliminate the severity of this seemingly overwhelming issue, companies have opted to provide pick-up and drop-off services to reduce the commuting burden on their employees and provide them with peace of mind when returning home, particularly considering the time constraints associated with public transportation.
Sharing the benefits of this advantage as a manufacturing recruitment agency with talented individuals has significantly boosted our ability to generate considerable interest in the job roles offered by manufacturing companies.
6. Artificial Intelligence
AI is becoming increasingly prominent and will require professionals and organizations to adapt to ensure that workforces remain aligned with evolving business goals. Concerns about job loss may be valid for lower-skilled roles, but a more probable scenario is the creation of new positions to support AI’s development. This includes opportunities in emerging markets where new career paths can be established. To effectively utilize AI, Engineering and Manufacturing companies will need individuals with the necessary skills.
To make the most of AI, these companies need employees with the right skills. As a recruitment company, we’ll focus on screening and hiring people who have the needed skills in manufacturing and can easily incorporate AI and Machine Learning into their work. We’ll also look for candidates who can handle the maintenance and upgrading of the involved AI technology.
7. Raising Awareness of Candidate Soft Skills
In manufacturing, besides having the right technical skills, being able to work well with a team, adjust to challenging situations, and communicate clearly are also crucial. Employers know that workers with these strong soft skills make the workplace better and get tasks done effectively.
To be more precise about why these skills are necessary for a candidate to pass the recruitment screening, let’s understand the connection between them. Working together as a team is important because it takes everyone’s effort to achieve common goals. Being adaptable is of utmost necessity because things are always changing in this industry. Clear communication is crucial to make sure everyone understands what needs to be done and stays on the same page.
Being at the top of manufacturing staffing agencies who are committed to thoroughness, we make sure to assess these soft skills in candidates. By finding people who are not only technically skilled but also strong in these areas, we help manufacturing companies build teams that can tackle challenges and succeed in today’s competitive market.
With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years, Prompt Personnel stands as a trusted name in HR outsourcing services, payroll management, and labour law consultancy. Our comprehensive suite of offerings includes temporary staffing, contract staffing, permanent recruitment, and more. Operating across multiple regions in India, we maintain a striking presence in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Throughout our journey, Prompt Personnel has earned recognition as a competent HR consultant in Mumbai. We’ve been honoured with prestigious awards including ERA’s Fastest-Growing Staffing Company Award in 2007 and the Madhavrao Bhide Udyog Gaurav Award in the large-scale industry (100 Cr+) in 2019. We have also been acknowledged as a future-ready organization in the large-scale category by the Economic Times and certified as a great workplace in India in 2023.
If you’re seeking to refine your process of recruitment in the manufacturing industry and secure top-tier candidates for your targeted niche, get in touch with our HR specialists at Prompt Personnel today!