Recruit and Retain your Manufacturing Workforce: Three Proven Strategies for Rochester Employers

Building a skilled and dedicated workforce in the manufacturing industry presents unique challenges and opportunities. While collaborating with educational institutions and launching apprenticeship programs have proved largely beneficial, more than 65% of manufacturers say their inability to attract employees is still the top issue they face. At Beyond TalentEdge, we understand these challenges and are here to help you overcome them.

More specifically, companies are struggling to find qualified candidates with the skills necessary for manufacturing roles. Coupled with the decline of Baby-Boomers in the workforce, younger generations of workers are less adept at bridging the gap between their “digital” skills and “human” skills (i.e. hard and soft skills). They also tend to have a less than favorable perception of manufacturing jobs, with many mistakenly associating these positions with arduous labor and lower pay.

With the growing skills gap and wrongful branding of manufacturing careers, companies have begun revising and modernizing their strategies for attracting quality talent. Taking the proper steps, your workforce will continue to expand and thrive in today’s market.

Here are three key strategies to enhance and improve your recruitment and retention processes.

1. Reevaluate Compensation & Employee Benefits

In today’s competitive job market, manufacturing companies must offer robust compensation and benefits packages. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), manufacturers that invest in employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses report a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and a 25% reduction in turnover. In Rochester, NY, we can provide your team with industry-standard and Rochester salary benchmarks for all types of manufacturing jobs. At Beyond TalentEdge, we recommend that Rochester-based manufacturing companies aim to match or exceed this rate to stay competitive.

Showcase your company culture on social media; create a public LinkedIn or Facebook profile and regularly post about your dedicated, growing team, values, and achievements. For inspiration, check out the Beyond TalentEdge LinkedIn profile.

Consider implementing flexible working options, including in-person, remote, or hybrid models, to accommodate various employee needs. Generous paid time off, comprehensive parental leave plans, and adaptable work schedules can significantly enhance job satisfaction and retention rates. By showing that your company cares about its employees and their quality of life, you’ll be more likely to attract and keep top talent.

“At Beyond TalentEdge, we’ve seen firsthand how companies that invest in comprehensive benefits and a positive work environment enjoy higher retention rates and greater employee satisfaction,” says Ferah Roman, Director of Recruiting.

2. Consider the Benefit of Upskilling Employees

Instead of waiting for the perfect candidate with all the required experience, consider the benefits of hiring entry-level employees and investing in their training. This approach can be beneficial in the long term – focusing on potential rather than just experience, you can reduce frustration and stress during the recruitment process.

Providing robust training programs not only equips new hires with necessary skills but also makes your company more attractive to potential candidates. At Beyond TalentEdge, we understand the critical importance of not only finding the right talent but also nurturing them for long-term success within your organization. Through our partnership with the Greater Rochester Chamber, we offer an array of training and upskilling programs designed to enhance the capabilities of your workforce. From internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience to specialized workshops covering topics such as project management, leadership development, and industry-specific technical skills, we ensure that your employees have access to the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.

Programs such as these not only equip new hires with necessary skills but also make your company more attractive to potential candidates, showcasing your commitment to employee growth and development. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional advancement, you can not only attract top talent but also retain them for the long haul, ultimately building a more skilled and loyal workforce poised for success.

“Our upskilling programs have helped numerous companies turn entry-level employees into highly skilled professionals, significantly reducing recruitment costs and enhancing workforce loyalty,” shares Beyond TalentEdge Recruiter, Shelley Smith.

3. Enlist the Help of a Reputable Talent Acquisition Company

Partnering with a reputable talent acquisition company can drastically improve your recruitment process. By gaining access to a larger, more qualified talent pool, you’ll be able to find the right candidates for your open positions. Recruitment agencies streamline the hiring process, eliminating much of the guesswork involved in selecting the candidate that best matches your company and its values.

In addition, talent acquisition companies like Beyond TalentEdge provide additional services such as background screening and payroll management, further simplifying the hiring process. Authentica, our sister company, complements our services by providing strategic background screenings and advanced analytics to enhance your HR processes. Leveraging our vastly connected network and resources, you can ensure a more efficient and effective recruitment strategy, ultimately leading to a more productive and satisfied workforce.

“With over 40 years of experience in the Greater Rochester area, Beyond TalentEdge is dedicated to connecting you with the highest quality talent,” states Ferah Roman, “Our comprehensive services ensure a seamless hiring process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business.”

Every role in your manufacturing company is essential, from research and development to sales, marketing, production, and logistics. Beyond TalentEdge understands the entire process and specializes in recruiting for manufacturing needs. We offer comprehensive talent acquisition and hiring solutions for organizations of all sizes to help you achieve your goals. Click here to view our commonly placed roles within the manufacturing sector, and here for more information about our extensive services.

To navigate the unique challenges of hiring within the manufacturing industry, consider reevaluating your compensation and benefits packages, investing in the upskilling of employees, and partnering with a reputable talent acquisition company. These strategies can help attract and retain the quality talent needed to thrive in a competitive market.

Partnering with our team at Beyond TalentEdge is a game-changing decision. With over 40 years of experience in the Greater Rochester area, our team of trusted experts is dedicated to attracting and retaining the highest quality talent for each of our partners.

To discover how Beyond TalentEdge's comprehensive hiring solutions can connect you with top candidates, explore “Our Services” or contact us at Contact@BeyondTalentEdge.com.