As the new year approaches, understanding seasonal trends in manufacturing can help with workforce planning. Then, you have a plan to adjust your staffing levels to meet changing production needs.
Knowing which trends to expect and how to prepare for them helps develop strategies to ensure you have the right talent in place. These activities help maintain productivity and profitability.
Understand the following seasonal trends in manufacturing to help with workforce planning for the new year.
Seasonal Trends in Manufacturing
The following seasonal trends can impact manufacturing operations and output:
Increased seasonal employment
The manufacturing industry experiences an increase in seasonal employment during the holiday season. Therefore, employers should begin hiring, onboarding, and training seasonal workers well in advance to ensure the workforce is prepared.
Fluctuating product demand
The unpredictability of consumer demand requires adaptable labor management and scheduling. For instance, an increase in home cooking elevates demand for groceries and home-related items. As a result, manufacturers must quickly adapt to these changes and produce relevant products.
Supply chain impact
The peak retail sales expectations add stress to manufacturing supply chains. Therefore, material shortages, order backlogs, increased transportation costs, and delivery delays are common. As a result, manufacturers might have to modify product lines, add temporary employees to their workforce, and increase their capital investments.
Challenges with inventory management
Manufacturers require adequate inventory to meet fast delivery expectations. Just-in-time manufacturing helps fill this need.
Navigating workflow disruptions
Factors such as inadequate inventory and isolated decision-making can disrupt internal workflows. Fortunately, data analytics helps manufacturers forecast, prepare for, and manage these challenges. As a result, firms stay resilient and responsive to their supply chains.
Approaches to Manufacturing Workforce Planning for the New Year
Consider using the following approaches to manufacturing workforce planning for the new year:
Implement new technologies
Leverage technologies and automation to increase efficiency during seasonal demand. Examples include:
- Inventory management software to optimize the supply chain and keep adequate inventory in stock.
- Robotic process automation (RPA) to perform repetitive tasks such as material handling, assembly, and quality control.
- Predictive analytics to forecast demand and adjust production schedules.
Adopt just-in-time manufacturing
JIT manufacturing minimizes excess inventory and labor costs. Ordering the materials and producing the products as needed reduces workforce size and expenses.
Increase workforce flexibility
Create a workforce planning strategy that accommodates changing staffing requirements. Examples include cross-training employees to take on roles as needed and hiring temporary workers to provide support during peak productivity.
Strengthen employee retention
Offer an attractive company culture, competitive compensation and benefits, and professional development opportunities to elevate employee retention. These activities reduce hiring, onboarding, and training costs.
Work with a Temporary Staffing Agency
Partner with Job Store Staffing to add temporary manufacturing employees to your Colorado workforce as needed. Reach out to learn more today.
