A Work-Life Balance Perspective
According to Wikipedia, the work-leisure dichotomy dates to the mid-1800s, coined by anthropologists to define happiness. It evolved into a dynamic phrase in the U.S. around 1986 and is often debated today, so much so that it becomes a personal conflict as employees struggle to define the boundaries between work and non-work. Discounting personal ambition or the advent of new technologies (which are nearly impossible to unplug from), the National Life Insurance Company found nearly 50% of its survey respondents found their jobs “very” or “extremely stressful.” In that vein, it seems that work/life balance is not so much about…
3 More Surprising Reasons to Embrace Millennials – Part II
By welcoming eager, talented workers, we expand America’s potential for growth and our competitive culture of invention and possibility. – Ron Conway (Brainyquote.com) Last time we discussed three reasons to embrace millennial as a resource to fill the manufacturing labor gap. Those reasons included: A Millennial has a strong work ethic with a sense of purpose. Millennials want to experience everything, and Millennials have ease with technology Let’s take a look at three more reasons to develop this group as a workforce resource. Millennials are vibrant and enthusiastic Though Millennials may have a shorter attention span than older workers, they…
Surprising Reasons to Embrace Millennials – Part I
By welcoming eager, talented workers, we expand America’s potential for growth and our competitive culture of invention and possibility. – Ron Conway (Brainyquote.com) The solution to the precision manufacturing industry’s talent shortage could be our country’s nearly 75 million Millennials. Unfortunately, Millennials who are of age to seek satisfying careers are rarely well-understood as a group of potential employees. Look below the surface and you find they are a generation shaped by technology, debt, recessions, questioning, permissiveness, and boundary-pushing. While these attributes may feel uncomfortable to a hiring manager from a different generation, manufacturers must find a way to explore…
How to Attract and Retain Top Manufacturing Talent: Part II
5 Talent-Sourcing Ideas In Part I, we provided seven start-early ideas for manufacturing workforce solutions. Part II continues the drive for talent with five talent-sourcing ideas. 1. Does your state celebrate “Manufacturing Month”? If your state sponsors a celebration for the manufacturing industry, then hold an open house. Much like a community day, this is the time to showcase your company. Campaign for building a workforce: discuss training, highlight products, and demonstrate specializations. This activity is about the value you can bring to others which, in turn, draws talent to you. 2. Make onboarding an inviting process. New employees can be…
How to Attract and Retain Top Manufacturing Talent: Part I
7 Start-Early Ideas Precision Manufacturers recognize that a qualified and skilled workforce is essential to their success. Sadly, fewer young people are choosing careers in manufacturing because they are unaware of either the opportunities available or educational requirements needed. This diminishing talent pool for precision manufacturers to choose from has led to a real shortage of workers. Manufacturers must think both inside and outside the box when it comes to pursuing, attracting and retaining talented workers. Here are seven commonsense and creative ways that could boost your success in the future. Plan a career day Don’t wait until students are…
Are You a “Cherry Tree” Business?
In the cherry tree legend, when confronted by his angry father about a chopped down cherry tree, six-year-old George replied, “I cannot tell a lie . . . I did cut it with my hatchet.” Washington’s father embraced his son and rejoiced that his son’s honesty was worth more than a thousand trees. In today’s business world, personal integrity is still a pillar of true success. Whether you’re seeking investors, securing for top talent, or building a base of committed customers, maintaining a high level of integrity is a key factor. But what is integrity? Who determines where you fall…