As the food manufacturing industry undergoes rapid workforce shifts due to the “Silver Tsunami”, the need to attract a younger generation to manufacturing roles becomes more critical than ever.
With 11,000 baby boomers reaching retirement age daily, and Millennials and Gen Z less interested in manufacturing careers, it is imperative that L&D and HR leaders partner to make roles more appealing to Millennials and Gen Z.
Here are 5 ways you can help attract more applicants:
Embrace Technology and Innovation: Gen Z and Millennials are digital natives, comfortable with technology. Provide employees with eLearning tools that feature interactive learning and gamification, helping onboard employees faster, drive competency and expand their capabilities.
Sustainability as a Core Value: Younger generations are concerned about environmental sustainability. Showcase your commitment to eco-friendly practices in food manufacturing and reducing paper waste by replacing printed training books with eLearning methods.
Career Development and Learning Opportunities: Outline clear career pathways and invest in ongoing training and development programs that guide the employee from hire to retire. Millennials and Gen Z value continuous learning and desire opportunities for professional growth. Promote mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, and educational sponsorships to demonstrate your commitment to nurturing talent.
Showcase Social Responsibility and DEI Initiatives: Millennials and Gen Z are drawn to companies with a strong sense of social responsibility. Highlight your commitment to DEI, community engagement, philanthropy, and ethical sourcing practices. Engaging in socially responsible initiatives can create a sense of purpose for employees, making their work more fulfilling.
Demonstrate a commitment to safety:
According to one study, a quarter of Gen Zers believe industrial work is not safe. Invest in and promote robust and ongoing safety training and commitment to employee safety.
Transforming food manufacturing jobs into more attractive opportunities for Gen Z and Millennials requires a strategic and forward-thinking approach. Help you and your team by identifying ways to make our company and career posts demonstrate a modern approach to the workplace, how you train for the job, and how you develop employees to take on more responsibility over time.