By Shari Nelson, Director of Human Resources and Jeff Klabunde, Vice President of Operations, Hoffer Plastics
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritizing training, professional growth, and embracing advanced technologies fosters a skilled, motivated workforce that drives innovation and long-term retention.
- Committing to sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility enhances brand reputation, attracts talent, and strengthens employee morale and community ties.
- A focus on health, wellness, and safety initiatives boosts employee satisfaction, productivity, and contributes to overall organizational success and resilience.
Market trends evolve. Product demand ebbs and flows. Technologies advance. Yet, at the core of any successful manufacturing operation remains a thriving workplace culture that nurtures talent, fosters innovation and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential.
By providing access to stable and exciting long-term careers, we are not just creating jobs; we are building pathways for growth. Explore five pathways to attracting, retaining and inspiring the workforce we need to keep building a brighter future.
1. Fostering employee development
The growing demand for skilled labor underscores the importance of training (and cross-training) employees for growth. Empowering team members to take advantage of a wide array of professional development and ongoing education opportunities – whether it’s an entry-level position or a highly skilled role – creates more opportunities for your company while driving personal growth and stability.
On-the-job and external training encourages employees to develop skills and explore new interests. Working with individuals to identify these opportunities to level-up, or even move to new specialties within your organization, not only gives you access to additional talent, but also motivates employees to stay with you long-term. Examples of pathways to drive new opportunities include:
- Internal training and industry certifications
- Tuition reimbursement for external education
- Educational opportunities outside of apprenticeships.
2. Energizing your team and younger generations with new technology
New technology means new opportunities – for your business and for your employees. It means higher precision. Fewer tedious tasks. More time to innovate. And more fun in an advanced, sophisticated, and highly engaging environment.
Investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, equipment, and automation is essential to leading the way to a vibrant future – and in attracting the next generation of tech-savvy individuals. For example, investing in advanced automation and robotics engages multiple teams in increasing your facility’s “cool factor.” From the team responsible for identifying and designing these systems, to the teams who ultimately operate them, you’ll be engaging employees from across your organization to design and leverage your next great innovation.
3. Creating a sustainable future
The long-term sustainability of food and beverage manufacturing, and the industries that support them, hinges on your ability to maximize resource efficiency. From the packaging of your products to the selection of your business partners, consumers are progressively seeking new sustainable solutions. Plus, employees are continuing to grow passionate about finding a career that betters the environment and contributes to a greener future.
As an employer, you have the opportunity to define your role in shaping a sustainable future. This can encompass:
- Implementing a facility-wide recycling program.
- Enacting employee-led sustainability initiatives.
- Utilizing food-safe biodegradable resins in food packaging – including your film, cap and spout.
4. Enriching your community
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about making a positive impact on the community and industry at large. Engage employees in volunteer activities, support local charities, or initiate sustainability programs to foster a sense of involvement and excitement among your team.
By being a good neighbor and active community member, your organization not only strengthens those in the community, but also enhances employee morale and pride. Employees see their organization contributing positively to the community, deepening their sense of purpose and motivating them to do more.
Moreover, by involving your team in identifying and supporting community initiatives they are passionate about, you foster deeper connections and commitment. Encouraging employees to contribute their ideas and time to causes that resonate with them not only enhances their engagement but also builds a culture where employees feel empowered to make a meaningful difference both within and beyond the workplace.
5. Prioritizing health, wellness, and safety
A workplace that prioritizes health, wellness, and safety not only enhances employee satisfaction and productivity but also contributes to organizational success and longevity.
Be on the forefront of safety initiatives in the industry, with practices including:
- Training on fall protection and prevention for all mechanics.
- Regular, ongoing safety audits and mock OSHA inspections.
- Emergency event simulation training, such as fire and chemical incidents and other situations.
- Obtaining critical certificates, like SQF.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: a thriving workplace culture is the cornerstone of success. By prioritizing employee development, embracing new technologies, championing sustainability efforts, supporting community engagement, and prioritizing health and safety, we not only attract and retain talent but also inspire our workforce to reach new heights.
Shari Nelson joined Hoffer Plastics in 2023 as Director of Human Resources. Nelson brings more than 15 years of experience in Human Resources-focused operations and strategy development. Her expertise lies in guiding and managing Human Resources processes, policies and services within companies, underscored by a deep-seated passion for employee well-being. Prior to joining Hoffer Plastics, Nelson directed HR initiatives including recruiting and staffing, employee safety, welfare and health, performance management and improvement, and more.
Jeff Klabunde joined Hoffer Plastics in 2023 as Vice President of Operations. Klabunde brings 33 years of experience to Hoffer Plastics. His expertise lies in the design and execution of critical strategies, systemic organizational development and process optimization – with a strong background and passion for world-class procedures and Lean manufacturing. At Hoffer Plastics, Klabunde plays a pivotal role in advancing the company’s capabilities in custom molding and its proprietary line of caps and spouts for flexible packaging. Prior to joining the company, he obtained extensive experience as VP of Product, Operations Excellence and Integration and gained a proven track record in managing successful operations both domestically and internationally.
