A letter to the CEO: Embrace the Art of Possible and your frontline workers

As the pandemic has unfolded, we have seen massive disruption in terms of demand, supply, and, most notably, the workforce. Many manufacturers have faced challenges and had to adapt without the majority of their workforce on the shop floor or the ability to connect to their assets or suppliers. Navigating the evolving hybrid team structures and other unprecedented complications have increased stress across the front line – a trend seen across industries and companies around the world.

According to research from the latest Microsoft Work Trend Index, about half of frontline workers in manufacturing say labor shortages and supply chain disruptions make it difficult to do their jobs. At the same time, many see the opportunities that new technologies present for their industry and say advanced tools could alleviate on-the-job stress.

The research, based on a survey of frontline workers conducted in October and November 2021, sought to better understand the pandemic’s impact on frontline workers, the role technology plays in terms of impacting their jobs, and the ways that leaders can strengthen employee wellbeing and productivity. Findings underscore three important insights that can guide how manufacturers engage employees, improve safety, and transform the frontline experience.?

Talent and knowledge transfer are the most critical issues

Developing the next generation of manufacturing talent has long been a priority for leaders, even before pandemic-era labor shortages significantly increased workloads for frontline employees. While technology such as AI and mixed reality could improve efficiency, more than one third of respondents say they do not have the right digital tools. These pressures, among others, have pushed many workers to consider new careers.

But there are promising opportunities for leadership. The momentum behind attracting talent and retaining expertise—as well as excitement about the potential of technology among 63 percent of frontline workers—can be channeled into improving the employee experience.

For example, AI, combined with mixed-reality platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist on HoloLens 2, connects workers anywhere via live training and problem-solving. Just look at the work that plant employees at Eaton are doing with Dynamics 365 Remote Assist to troubleshoot and collaborate with other plants worldwide. Using Microsoft Guides on HoloLens 2, the company also?can complete preventative maintenance tasks and train new specialists in simulated environments.

These technologies, especially when integrated with capabilities such as autonomous systems and collaborative robots, allow workers to extend their expertise virtually to wherever it is needed. Employees can move from repetitive tasks to more innovative, creative functions in higher value-add roles. And the option to work remotely creates a unique opportunity for frontline veterans to lengthen their careers while complying with social distancing measures.

Empowerment starts with upskilling, education, and inclusion

Many manufacturers have expanded their technology investments, but the value of new tools is not always clearly communicated to employees, stoking frustration among frontline workers. Survey findings show 42 percent feel pressure to adapt to new technology and fear losing their jobs if they do not. In addition, 54 percent feel?they have been learning on the fly without formal training.

Workers are eager for advanced technology at their companies, but historically they have been underserved by it. We are seeing more use of technology to enable productivity, but there is more to do. Leaders need to ensure that they are providing the right technology—and the right training, on-the-job readiness, and upskilling—to bring that technology to life for the front line.

Tools like Microsoft 365 accelerate a modern, intelligent workplace that immerses employees in digital technologies. Manufacturers, including Kohler, report these tools enable their existing staff to break down barriers and create a new culture of productivity, efficiency, and agility with workers around the globe.

Leaders can also do more to demonstrate how technology empowers the frontline. Organizations are best able to go through a transformation when their people are unified and working with shared values and ideas. They must start by bringing everyone on board with the company vision, including the impact of technology on the business and the role each worker plays in realizing that vision. Communicating the purpose of new tools and how to use them most efficiently communicates respect and inclusion. The result? A culture of belonging and conditions for even greater productivity.

Tools such as Microsoft Teams for Frontline make it easy for leaders, frontline managers, and the workforce on the shop floor to share information. Microsoft Viva can also provide workers with in-context information, training, and touchpoints to help them use technology to connect more effectively. Blum is using tools such as Teams and Viva to centralize company news, tasks, and conversations, effectively connecting employees and reinforcing that they are united behind a common vision.

Technology that connects workers can reduce stress

While the pandemic has renewed the focus on workplace health, safety is an ever-present concern for manufacturing employees. This can potentially accelerate job-related stress if it is not well-managed. In our survey, 65 percent of the industry’s frontline workers say they expect their stress level to stay the same or even worsen in the next year. Interestingly, many ranked technology higher than mental health benefits in terms of what would relieve their stress.

Companies that invest in technology are taking a vital step toward effectively supporting the workforce in terms of health and safety. Manufacturers that have implemented technologies such as AI, computer vision, smart cameras, and mixed reality are seeing greater connection and safety on their shop floors than ever before. Dow is driving tremendous innovation here. The company is using AI and computer vision to detect safety hazards in the production environment as well as putting more digital tools in the hands of their frontline workers to help them do their jobs in a safer and more productive way.

The same tools that enhance collaboration, information sharing, and knowledge transfer also uphold the protocols that keep workers feeling safe and productive. Alcoa is a shining example. During the height of the pandemic, the company maintained around-the-clock operations and a safety-conscious culture using Microsoft Teams.

The path forward

The nature of how we work—and the workplace itself—has undergone significant transformation. But amid the disruption that every industry and business face, there has never been a greater opportunity to introduce new skills and advanced technologies. Leaders who are equipping their workforce with these capabilities are sending a clear message: They value frontline workers’ contributions, growth, and safety.

Along with our partners, Microsoft is committed to helping manufacturers through this journey. Together, we can bridge the skills gap, advance modern roles on the front line, and equip workers to thrive in the digital economy.

To learn more about the latest research from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, featuring perspectives from the front line, read the full report here.