Are you a smaller manufacturer trying to grow your workforce? To start, you need to realize that working for a small manufacturer may not be the number one aspiration on a potential employee’s career path. Small manufacturers are not usually at the top of every job search. Some are in a building they’ve always driven past but never realized just what it was. That said, there are many reasons to choose to work for a small manufacturer. Here are some of the selling points you might want to highlight.
- Community Focused
Smaller manufacturers give back to their community. They care about their town and actively work to foster relationships with their employees and members of the community. They can also be counted on to help when needed, whether fundraising or supporting a volunteering effort.
- Family Oriented
Many small manufacturers are still family-owned and provide a family connection with every employee. Although this requires more responsibility and commitment from the owners daily, the benefit to their employees is a caring support system and mentorship opportunities that would not be available in a large organization. It also means company picnics and holiday parties with people you genuinely want to spend time with.
Additionally, managers are committed to making sure their employees are happy and have a chance to grow and thrive. Owners are invested in the success of the company and their employees.
- Flexibility
Smaller manufacturers often offer more flexibility than other companies. You may need an earlier shift so that you can pick up your kids from school. They tend to be more understanding when you take time off to get to baseball practice and/or a dance recital because they have a family of their own. The empathetic support system possible in a smaller manufacturer is unparalleled.
- Less Bureaucracy
Flexibility at a smaller manufacturer doesn’t just apply to scheduling. It also applies to the inner operation of the company. A smaller manufacturer will have fewer people needed to sign off on a change. If, for example, an employee comes up with a better way of doing something, it can be implemented a lot sooner at a smaller company.
- Growth Opportunity
When setting career goals, a smaller manufacturer may be able to help their employees attain them. Cross-training can be easier to manage at a smaller manufacturer. This training provides employees with the opportunity to understand what they’re good at and where they best fit in.
Also, for an existing employee, there’s the opportunity to be the first to know about new positions available at the company, rather than waiting for a job posting from some department that they never interacted with at a larger manufacturer. Overall, there’s more opportunity as many people near retirement in the manufacturing field. Getting to know each employee allows the employer to better fit that person for the right position even if that’s not where they started.
As a point of differentiation, it’s important to focus on the opportunities and support provided at smaller manufacturers. Offering a family-owned or community-focused work environment is important to the incoming workforce. Use these tips to strengthen your message and attract a workforce that knows what small manufacturing is about.
Contact Us today to learn more ways that you can build your brand and grow your workforce.