Empower Manufacturing Employees Through Digital Transformation

People may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of digital transformation. However, creating a people-centric approach to better focus on employee engagement and well-being could be key for manufacturing companies to excel throughout the process of digital transformation.¹ 

Due to the precise nature of the manufacturing process and the importance of the workforce, it is beneficial for manufacturing companies to ensure that they’re well-staffed with skilled and highly engaged employees. 

According to a study conducted by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, the manufacturing industry is dealing with an ongoing talent shortage that could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030 and a loss of $1 trillion in the U.S. economy.² Therefore, attracting new talent into the industry and retaining top talent are two factors that could be critical to success. 

Companies should consider how to best support employees through this digital transformation with new resources³. As manufacturing companies increasingly adopt digital transformation in their business operations and processes, this will likely usher in changes to roles and responsibilities across the workforce. 

In the 2021 Deloitte Global Resilience Study, 57% of manufacturing respondents reported using advanced technologies, such as cloud, robotics and analytics, to redesign job tasks and automate manual tasks.⁴ 

Companies should ensure they’re supporting employees as they navigate a influx of new technologies. Employers should ensure their employees feel both trained and supported in order to set them up for success. 

According to EY, establishing a “people-centric” approach is critical throughout the process of digital transformation. Instilling a workplace culture of supporting and valuing employees can build a stronger connection between employer and employee, which may help manufacturers plan and scale to improve sustainability and resilience.⁵

Manufacturing companies can use upskilling and lean into the adoption of digital transformation to fill critical roles and strengthen their talent pipeline.⁶ Advanced technologies may play a big role for manufacturers as they upskill and reskill their employees. Technologies such as AR/VR glasses can be used in training to simulate new tasks and help employees develop the skills needed to accomplish the tasks.⁷

Some other impactful tools for a people-centric approach may include investing in training and development programs, expanding employee benefit offerings and demonstrating the company’s commitment to employee well-being through health and financial wellness tools.

Therefore, it is possible for manufacturers to bolster employee support in a variety of ways while tackling digital transformation head-on and positioning themselves for success.