Disruption has been the name of the game for the manufacturing sector in recent years. Distribution, supply chains, and operations have all been disrupted by the impact of Covid-19, whether that is shortages or even a spike in demand for products that have been particularly vital during the pandemic. Now that the dust is starting to settle for those in manufacturing careers, what does the future of manufacturing look like?
Greater automation and digitization
Manufacturers are increasingly integrating more automation and digitization as part of their processes today. This is likely to become even more of a priority, as the industry looks to strategize growth plans for a post-pandemic world. As a result, hiring decisions are becoming essential and for those in manufacturing careers, it’s key to note the changes this could bring. For example, where there is more automation there will also be a narrower, more qualified hiring scope.
Bringing more jobs home
Interrupted supply chains and ongoing consequences from the impact of the global pandemic have led many manufacturing businesses to look at moving operations to a home base. That means that a broad spectrum of organizations are currently keen to build new workforces on home soil, prioritizing recruiting those who not only have the hard skills required for the role but critical thinking and communication abilities that will help an enterprise to innovate and grow, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
A more diverse and inclusive workforce
There has been a significant shift towards more diverse and inclusive hiring practices that are intended to create better-balanced workforces. This has also meant much more of a focus on behavior, as opposed to performance, when it comes to the recruitment process. It’s not just about ensuring that someone is capable of ticking off a list of tasks or duties, but also the way that this is being done. The focus on diversity and inclusion also means that training in these areas is an ongoing process for many enterprises, resetting decades-old attitudes, and creating space for new generations to enter a workplace in which they feel comfortable.
The use of social intelligence in the hiring process
Given the increased focus on behavior when it comes to developing candidates and recruiting for roles, it’s perhaps no surprise that many organizations have begun to look for new ways of screening people. Social intelligence is increasingly being used as a supplement for hiring practices where the focus is more on a candidate’s character than purely looking at past performance. Candidates in manufacturing careers need to be aware that social media accounts and platforms provide plenty of insights into behaviors, especially those that could be problematic in a team setting. This type of hiring approach is likely to remain as the quality of teams continues to be prioritized.
After a turbulent couple of years, manufacturing is changing. From changes in workforce composition to the increasing use of tech, these will be some of the defining features in manufacturing careers going forward. At DSJ Global we take care of the screening process for our clients. If you are looking to recruit, request a call back today and one of our recruiters will be in contact.