In the challenging and competitive world of small business manufacturing, one key to success is building a loyal, skilled workforce, particularly in specialized roles like welding. Employee loyalty contributes to productivity, quality control, and overall business stability. This is especially important in the context of small manufacturers in Virginia and beyond. Let’s explore ways to foster an environment of loyalty and commitment among your welding staff and how online training and workforce development can play a vital role in this process.
Getting Down To the Root of Turnover
Before addressing the issue of employee loyalty in our small business manufacturing operations guide, it’s critical to understand why employees leave in the first place. Is it a matter of better compensation elsewhere, lack of job satisfaction, or minimal opportunities for growth and development? Small manufacturing businesses should perform regular employee engagement surveys to gain insights into these issues.
As we move into 2023, the echoes of the Great Resignation continue to reverberate. Employee turnover remains a daunting challenge for the manufacturing industry, with a staggering 50 million people quitting their jobs in 2022 alone, more than the previous year. Last year’s manufacturing rate was a striking 39% (virtually the same as 2021), yet still on the rise in general. This mass exodus has left manufacturing leaders with a pressing concern: “How do we keep our talent and ensure our business’s success in the coming years?”
Welder Demographics and Statistics
According to this 2021 research analysis by Zippia, these statistics can explain why certain members of your welder team may be more prone to quit than others. Representation and location are large contributors.
- The United States currently employs upwards of 402,333 welding professionals.
- Women comprise 6.1% of all welders, with men representing the majority at 93.9%.
- The median age of welders is 40 years.
- Houston, TX, boasts the highest demand for welders.
- The automotive sector offers the most lucrative opportunities for welders.
Strategies for Sustainable Growth
In the face of these challenges, small business manufacturing operations can implement several strategies to promote sustainable growth and employee retention.
We list them here below –
Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture
Cultivating a positive workplace culture is about creating an environment where employees feel valued, appreciated, and involved.
When it comes to welders, fostering a positive work culture requires a tailored approach due to the nature of their work. Welders need to feel physically safe in their work environment, and their unique skills should be recognized and appreciated.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
This strategy is pretty self-explanatory. Offering competitive salaries and benefits is critical to ensuring your talented welding workers stay for the long run.
Small manufacturers should benchmark their compensation packages against industry standards to ensure their offerings are competitive. As of 2023, the median salary for a welder in Virginia is $22.84 an hour in Virginia.
Here are a few tools you can use for this purpose:
Opportunities for Growth and Development
Investing in employee growth and development shows that you value their career progression. This could involve offering online training and workforce development opportunities, enriching their skills, and increasing their value to the business.
For more insights into workforce retention, tune in to EPISODE 9 of the Manufacturing Now Podcast, available on our website. This enlightening discussion features industry veteran GENEDGE Business Service Director of Operations Bert Eades and Scott Schein, COO of GENEDGE, sharing their strategies for workforce retention in the manufacturing industry.
Registration is currently open for Bert Eades’s 6-Course Leadership Class, which dives deep into the core tenets of leadership and learning how to navigate, inspire, and drive growth within your manufacturing company. The course, running from January 10, 2024, to March 20, 2024, is perfect for mid-level managers and supervisors aspiring to further their leadership roles. It provides an intimate learning environment with a class limit of 20 participants and is priced at $1,500 per person.
Engagement and Involvement
Actively involve your welders in safety protocol development and continuous improvement processes. Soliciting their input on equipment selection or workspace layout like ventilation can enhance their job satisfaction, as it directly affects their daily work. Regularly hold team meetings where they can voice concerns or suggest improvements. Always keep your team in the loop.
Work-Life Balance
In the welding industry, finding a work-life balance can seem challenging. It could include implementing flexible shift schedules to accommodate welders’ personal lives or arranging for rotation duties to avoid burnout from repetitive tasks. Also, paid time off (PTO) lets welders rest and rejuvenate, ensuring they return to work with renewed vigor and focus.
Communication
Open and transparent communication is key to building trust and loyalty. In welding, where precision, safety, and efficiency are vital, ongoing communication can significantly enhance operational understanding, foster a culture of collaboration, and ensure that everyone, from junior welders to senior specialists, is aligned in their roles and responsibilities.
Leveraging Technology
Technology can streamline operations and improve employee satisfaction. Using digital tools for scheduling, task management, or communication can make the workplace more efficient and enjoyable.
For example, Augmented Reality (AR) significantly enhances the experience of welders in manufacturing. This technology allows welders to view detailed task guides through AR glasses, eliminating manual consultations. Additionally, AR facilitates remote real-time collaboration, enabling experienced welders to guide trainees through complex tasks.
Community & Social Engagement
Participating in social and community events can promote camaraderie and a sense of belonging among employees. A recent example of this was the Mission Tomorrow event that GENEDGE participated in, along with Porvair Filtration. At this event, Porvair’s welders interacted with middle school students, discussing their careers and the welding industry. Such initiatives not only benefit the community but also enhance your company’s visibility and reputation, deepening employees’ connection to your organization.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide a structured path for learners to acquire practical skills while earning, benefiting both the apprentice and the employer. GENEDGE’s client, the Lawrence Brothers, has a Welding Apprenticeship Program that enables aspiring welders in Southwest Virginia to gain hands-on experience and become certified MIG welders. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical learning, the program paves the way for learners to foster a successful career in manufacturing while also offering the chance to join the Lawrence Brothers team as full-time employees upon successful completion.
Click here to read the success story from Lawrence Brothers!
Build a Resilient Welding Workforce with GENEDGE
Retention of your welding workforce is vital to the steady growth of your small manufacturing firm. At GENEDGE, we are dedicated to aiding your journey, providing you with the necessary resources and tailored assessments to ensure your welding workforce remains a pillar of strength in your manufacturing firm.
Contact a member of the GENEDGE team for questions or to Request an Assessment. If you are logged into your GENEDGE Alliance member account, Comment below!
