From long-term shutdowns, to production slowdowns, to a now unprecedented surge in demand and growth within e-commerce and warehousing, the pandemic has had a range of impacts on U.S. manufacturing. Research indicates these impacts are adding to existing labor challenges, which has created an even greater need for improved operational efficiency. In this unpredictable market, it’s never been more apparent the industry is dependent on physical labor. So focusing on and incentivizing the workforce can lead the charge in effective transformation. Even as manufacturing heads for an anticipated strong recovery, it’s time to re-think how to put our people first.

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The Balancing Act: Investing in Supply Chain Flexibility While Recouping Losses

Manufacturers are tasked with balancing the need to invest in greater supply chain flexibility, but also recover financial losses resulting from mandatory shutdowns and lost productivity. In this environment, the ability to ramp up and keep up is dependent on a present and productive workforce.

Look for Operational and Maintenance Efficiencies, and Find Savings

To sustain efficient operations, companies will likely identify ways to enable employees to do more with less by investing in technology or innovation to simplify tasks. For those investing in greater supply chain flexibility through enabling technology or even localized production, it means having to spend wisely. Those budget constraints are guiding facilities toward products that can help reduce overall costs by controlling how much product gets used and wasted, and examining how much is spent directly and indirectly compared to other industry solutions.

Unprecedented Productivity Challenges

Labor challenges have only gotten worse. Increased absenteeism, scheduling challenges due to newly fluctuating parenting duties and fear of an unsafe work environment have added pressure on employers to retain talent and keep productivity and morale high.

Take an Innovative Approach to New Labor Challenges and Hygiene Demands

It’s never been more apparent that manufacturing is dependent on physical labor. As we recover, it’s time to rethink how to put our people first. To accommodate employee scheduling challenges, more shifts and flexibility will be needed, creating more “round- the-clock” operations. This also means new and increased maintenance programs to keep up with increased up-time, as well as meet the demands of heightened expectations around hygiene. Highly efficient, low-maintenance, hygiene-forward solutions that can ease both anxious employees and untrained maintenance staff will be key.

Workers Being Lured Away from an Already Shallow Labor Pool

Massive surges in e-commerce resulted in new demands for warehousing, increasing competition for labor in a market already struggling to retain talent.

Offer a Workplace that Rivals the Rest, and You’re the Winner

Whether seeking or trying to retain both production workers or highly trained engineers, companies will offer competitive compensation, a positive work culture, and attractive amenities. Facilities will likely maintain a strong focus on hygiene as part of safety protocols in order to demonstrate a safe and healthy workplace while offering a pleasant workplace environment.

BUSINESS IMPACT

Seeking solutions that align with your priorities? GP PRO can help.

Your business is adapting to survive. Consumer concerns are shifting. Now’s the time to use the same ingenuity you’ve applied all year to assess your operation: Identify productivity gaps. Re-evaluate hygiene and safety. Explore the benefits of automation. And re-examine the customer experience. Here are some ideas to help you visualize success long term:

Offsetting Labor and Cost Pressures

• Controlled-dispensing restroom collections with hygiene-forward towel, toilet paper, soap, sanitizer and air freshener dispensers can help you reduce overall costs by helping to reduce waste

• High-capacity, closed-system napkin and cutlery dispensers feature one-at-a-time dispensing, which can help you reduce costs by reducing usage and waste

• Substitute brown paper towels for white for additional savings

Propelling Operational and Custodial Productivity

• Touchless restroom dispensers and cutlery and napkin dispensers feature a high-capacity design that helps reduce maintenance and the need to refill

• Disposable cleaning towels and Surface System sanitizing can help boost labor efficiency with one-at-a-time dispensing. Plus, employees will take notice of the portable Surface System dispenser in action.

Attracting and Retaining Talent with Hygiene-Forward Amenities

• Touchless, coordinated restroom systems with paper towel, toilet paper, soap, sanitizer and air freshener dispensers help show employees you care about providing a pleasant environment

• Disposable plates, cups, napkins and cutlery can be more hygienic than permanent-ware dishes and help minimize personal contact, which protects employees from cross-contamination risk

• Disposable, one-at-a-time cleaning towels and wipes help ensure employees get a clean, safe towel or wipe every time

• Closed-system sanitizing (vs. open-bucket method) can help ensure sanitizer levels are maintained significantly longer, so you can help ensure a next-level-clean environment

Previously Featured on Georgia-Pacific's News and Knowledge site.

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