Workforce Enablement - Addressing Talent And Skills Gap, Hybrid Employees

The manufacturing industry relentlessly pushes the envelope to become more efficient and serve clients better. Talent shortage, however, has become a significant challenge facing the industry today. A Deloitte and Manufacturing Institute study estimates that the U.S. manufacturing sector alone could face 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.

“Manufacturers need to respond at a higher level to tackle the talent shortage issue. They must focus on offering a competitive compensation package, creating skill development programs to enhance the abilities of their employees, and empowering workers to embrace technology,” says Brent Heller, head of U.S. manufacturing and industrial, Amazon Business.

Amazon Business’ primary focus is on enabling employees to procure the resources they need in the most efficient manner possible. This is crucial to create long-term value for the organization.

The Trusted Partner in the Changing Dynamics

Amazon Business supports manufacturers in a world where employees work flexibly from any location, given the normalization of hybrid and remote work. It operates effectively in both corporate and remote environments, enabling senior executives to have visibility into procurement strategies and manage expenses effectively in a hybrid environment.

Amazon Business also has the capability to deliver supplies and goods efficiently, regardless of an individual’s location.

“Many of our conversations with customers have also revealed challenges like suppliers restricted to delivering to fixed addresses or specific zip codes due to their inherent limitations. Amazon Business’s flexibility in delivery destinations, combined with advanced data analytics, is a savior for manufacturers in this new world.”

Onboarding is Essential

Technology adoption is just one aspect of the broader goal of achieving excellence. Modern manufacturers must provide learning and growth opportunities that allow employees to acquire new skills at their own pace.

“It’s not just about recruiting; it’s equally important to focus on upskilling and fostering a culture that wholeheartedly embraces technology,” says Heller.

Manufacturers should consider ways to improve the employee onboarding process, since gathering everyone in a conference room at 8:00 AM is becoming less common. Businesses must have digital onboarding options, while technology and partners must offer remote options. This includes providing employees easy access to the required technology, setting it up, and having the necessary support mechanisms to maintain it.

Manufacturers should create an environment that encourages technology enablement while training employees to effectively use the technologies in practice. Amazon Business invests significant time working with customers and their employees to ensure they are well-trained in accessing and utilizing its platform. This element of change management is fundamental to the successful adoption of digital tools within an organization.

“Creating a culture that promotes a lifelong learning mindset is crucial. An important aspect is ensuring access to diverse learning resources, as not everyone in manufacturing works in front of a computer. Consequently, training methods need to be tailored to meet the needs of different employees on a regular basis, whether it’s daily, monthly, or annually,” says Heller.

Originally published on Manufacturing Technology Insights.