By Shari Nelson, Director of Human Resources, and Jeff Klabunde, Vice President of Operations Hoffer Plastics
Highlights:
- Prioritizing training, professional growth and the adoption of advanced technologies fosters a skilled, motivated workforce that fosters innovation and long-term retention.
- A commitment to sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility will improve your brand’s reputation, attract top talent, and strengthen employee morale and community connections.
- Focusing on health, wellness and safety initiatives will lead to happier and more productive employees, contributing to the success and resilience of your organization overall.
Market trends change, product demand rises and falls, and technology advances – but at the heart of any successful manufacturing operation is a vibrant workplace culture that nurtures talent, fosters innovation and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
By providing access to stable, exciting long-term careers, we don’t just create jobs – we’re building a path to growth. Explore five ways we can attract, retain and inspire the talent we need to keep building a brighter future.
1. Promoting employee development
As the demand for skilled workers increases, it is becoming increasingly important to train (and cross-train) your employees for growth. By giving your team members access to a wide range of professional development and continuing education opportunities (whether for entry-level positions or roles requiring highly skilled skills), you create additional opportunities for your company while promoting personal growth and stability.
On-the-job and off-the-job training encourages employees to hone their skills and explore new interests. Working with individuals to identify opportunities to level up or move into a new area of expertise within the organization not only gives you access to additional talent, but also motivates employees to stay with the company in the long term. Examples of how you can facilitate new opportunities include:
- In-house training and industry certification
- Tuition reimbursement for outside education
- Educational opportunities outside of apprenticeship.
2. Enabling teams and the younger generation with new technology
New technology means new opportunities for your business and your employees: greater precision, less tedious work, more time for innovation, and fun in an advanced, sophisticated and highly engaging environment.
Investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, equipment, and automation is essential to unlocking a vibrant future and attracting the next generation of tech-savvy talent. For example, investing in advanced automation and robotics engages multiple teams to make your facility “cool.” From the teams tasked with identifying and designing these systems to the teams that ultimately operate them, you engage employees across your organization to design and harness the next great innovation.
3. Creating a sustainable future
The long-term sustainability of food and beverage manufacturing and the industries that support it depends on its ability to maximize resource efficiency. From product packaging to the way it chooses its business partners, consumers are increasingly looking for new sustainable solutions. What’s more, employees remain passionate about finding careers that improve the environment and contribute to a greener future.
As an employer, you have the opportunity to define your role in shaping a sustainable future. This includes:
- Implement a recycling program throughout the facility.
- Implement employee-led sustainability initiatives.
- We use food-safe, biodegradable resins for food packaging such as films, caps, and spouts.
4. Enrich your community
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a buzzword. It’s about making a positive impact in your community and across your industry. Foster engagement and enthusiasm within your team by engaging your employees in volunteer work, supporting local charities, and starting a sustainability program.
By being good neighbors and active community members, organizations not only strengthen those in their communities, but also boost employee morale and pride. When employees know their organization is making a positive contribution to their community, they develop a greater sense of purpose and are motivated to go the extra mile.
Plus, identifying and supporting community causes your team members are passionate about fosters deeper connections and commitment. Encouraging employees to contribute their ideas and time to causes that resonate with them not only strengthens employee engagement, but it also builds a culture where people feel they can make a meaningful difference both in and outside of the workplace.
5. Prioritize health, wellness, and safety
A workplace that prioritizes health, wellness and safety not only leads to happier, more productive employees, but also contributes to the success and longevity of an organization.
We remain at the forefront of industry safety through the following practices:
- Fall prevention and fall protection training for all mechanics.
- Regular and ongoing safety audits and mock OSHA inspections.
- Simulation training for emergency situations such as fires and chemical accidents.
- Obtain important certifications such as SQF.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, one truth remains: a vibrant workplace culture is the foundation of success. By prioritizing employee development, embracing new technology, driving sustainability efforts, supporting community engagement and prioritizing health and safety, we not only attract and retain top talent, but also inspire our employees to reach new heights.
Featuring Shari Nelson Hoffer Plastics Nelson will join the company as Director of Human Resources in 2023. Nelson has more than 15 years of experience in HR-focused operations and strategy development. Her expertise is in leading and managing HR processes, policies and services within companies, underpinned by a deep passion for employee well-being. Prior to joining Hoffer Plastics, she led HR initiatives including recruiting and staffing, employee safety, benefits and wellness, and performance management and improvement.
Featuring Jeff Klabunde Hoffer Plastics He will assume the role of Vice President of Operations in 2023. Klabunde brings 33 years of experience to Hoffer Plastics. His expertise lies in the design and execution of critical strategies, systematic 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 its line of unique caps and spouts for custom molding and flexible packaging. Prior to joining the company, Klabunde gained extensive experience as Vice President of Product, Operations Excellence and Integration, with a proven track record of managing successful operations both domestically and internationally.
