Manufacturing
Focusing on People First to Gain a Competitive Advantage BY TARYN DALMASSO
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE of manufacturing and the manufacturing worker look like as we emerge from the pandemic? In March 2020 as government shutdowns began, a new term, “essential workers” became a tagline. As other businesses were forced to close their doors, many manufacturing plants experienced the opposite as pantry loading emptied store shelves. From toilet paper to food to personal care products—integral items to the American household—require essential frontline workers in order to ensure the stability of the supply chain. Overnight the demand for manufacturing workers skyrocketed. As we enter the fall of 2021, the need for skilled labor is still high, unemployment in Delaware is returning to historical rates and yet around every corner is another help wanted sign. So how does one stand out from the pack to ensure they can both attract and retain the talent they need? Fair wages, paid time off, health insurance and a safe work environment 52
are no longer competitive advantages—they are the cost of entry. Today’s workforce wants to feel connected to their company’s products and purpose. They also want more of a partnership—to see that their employer is as invested in them as they are in the company. This means a company needs to give their team more than just a paycheck. They must provide a clear vision of how the company can make an impact in both their team’s lives as well as the communities in which they reside. It’s about tapping into the heart of your teams. At Edgewell Personal Care, one of our core values is “People First,” which means we focus on relationships and investing in our team while also ensuring we contribute to our communities. But what does this really look like and why is it an advantage? We have put this value into action by partnering with Polytech Adult Education to develop apprenticeships and in-house training to increase the Se p t e m b er / Oc t o b e r 2021 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
