The Manufacturer, UK: Assistant Vice President of Cognizant’s Manufacturing and Logistics Practice Talks About Using Emerging Technologies to Attract Skills to the Industry

“The manufacturing sector, like many others nowadays, is characterized by a multi-generational workforce each with their own set of skills and working preferences,” writes Rohit Gupta. “SAP’s latest Manufacturing Success report, in conjunction with Cognizant, found that 15% of employees are over 55 years old and 17% are under the age of 24. However, nearly half of manufacturers in the study expressed difficulties in retaining and attracting younger workers into the organization.” Excerpts from the article:

“To attract diverse workers of all ages and skills, the manufacturing industry needs to support better digital and collaborative ways of working and potentially update their business processes. For example, how can organizations meet the needs of employees wanting greater flexible working, whether male or female? And how do they ensure successful knowledge and skills transfer between older and younger workers?

The right tools for the trade: Over half (52%) of manufacturers say they have difficulties offering the kind of flexibility that younger workers in particular are looking for. In addition, organizations need to account for the digitally-savvy candidates of today. As they move into the work environment, they expect the same technology they have been using at home and during their studies, and this is true for more technically-aware experienced employees too.

Encouraging knowledge transfer: Collaboration between different age groups of workers will remain critical. Younger generations can mentor their elders on how to use newer technologies, while older generations can impart key technical knowledge and skills from their extensive years of experience. For example, according to SAP’s report, the emergence of new technologies, such as 3D printing and smart products, looks set to alter the manufacturing landscape at a fundamental level. Not only will these result in new competitors, but they will also create the need for new skills, just as the revolution in newspaper publishing did in the late ‘80s.

Future of work leaders: Other sectors are leading the way when it comes to catering for different age groups and changing the physical work environment to support the future. Notably, media and technology companies are making big efforts here to create work environments that are adaptive to employee needs and behavior.”

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