Recruiting for Success in Manufacturing
Rite People
We aren't your standard recruiters. We do things right to bring the right people to your business, on time, every time.
In manufacturing, where efficiency and precision are imperative, one often overlooked aspect is company culture.
Before we go any further, it’s important to remember that recruiting for culture isn't about making everyone the same. It's about bringing together people who share common values and attitudes, who can bring different things to the table. When you hire a diverse team with varied backgrounds and perspectives, it adds richness to the workplace. Different viewpoints lead to better problem-solving and more creative ideas. So, while it's important to find people who align with your company's values, it's really important to embrace diversity to create a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture.
How?
If you work in manufacturing, you know that production lines must remain consistent, and the supply chain must function like clockwork. So how do you recruit individuals who not only have the skills needed to make this happen, and who also integrate into your company culture?
Firstly, before you can recruit for it, you must understand and define your company culture. Is it one of innovation, where employees are encouraged to think outside the box? Or perhaps it's more traditional, with a focus on hierarchy and stability. Once you have a clear picture of your culture, you can effectively communicate it to potential candidates.
You must then remember to integrate that culture into your job descriptions. Write your descriptions to not only outline the necessary skills and qualifications but also provide insight into your culture. Highlight aspects such as teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to quality. You need to aim to attract candidates who resonate with your cultural values.
When it comes to the interview process, always go beyond assessing just technical skills. Use behavioural interviewing techniques to gauge how candidates have demonstrated behaviours aligned with your culture in their previous roles. Ask questions that reveal their problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and adaptability etc.
You’re trying to attract quality candidates so you must make your company attractive and give candidates a glimpse into your culture during the recruitment process. During the interview process, you should include site visits or virtual tours where candidates can see firsthand how your company operates. Introduce them to current employees who embody your culture and can speak about their experiences.
Your current employees are your best ambassadors for your company culture so encourage employee referrals and offer incentives for successful hires. People tend to be friends with people of similar mindsets, therefore employees are likely to refer candidates who they believe will also thrive in your company's culture.
In addition to technical assessments, include assessments specifically designed to evaluate cultural fit. This could include personality assessments or scenario-based assessments that measure alignment with your company values.
Once hired, it's essential to provide ongoing training and events to ensure new employees not only understand, but also actively contribute to your company culture. This could include orientation sessions, team away days, mentorship programs, and regular feedback sessions.
It’s important to remember that company culture is not static and it evolves over time. You must continuously monitor the effectiveness of your recruitment strategies in attracting candidates who align with your culture. Be prepared to adapt your methods as needed to ensure your culture remains a driving force within your organisation.
Why?
So we’ve covered how to recruit for culture, but it’s also good to understand why it is important.
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Manufacturing operations rely on collaboration and teamwork across different departments and functions. Recruiting individuals who align with the company culture fosters a sense of cohesion among employees. When everyone is working towards common goals, communication flows more smoothly, and teams are better equipped to work together and to tackle any challenges or issues together.
In manufacturing environments where repetitive tasks and strict procedures are common, a strong culture can significantly boost employee engagement and satisfaction. When employees feel connected to the company, they are more likely to feel motivated and fulfilled in their roles, leading to higher productivity and lower turnover rates.
A positive company culture encourages innovation and continuous improvement within. When employees feel listened to share their ideas and experiment with new approaches, it sparks creativity and drives innovation. By recruiting individuals who embrace a culture of innovation and are willing to challenge the status quo, manufacturing companies can stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.
It goes without saying that health and safety is (or should be) a top priority within manufacturing businesses. Culture plays a critical role in shaping attitudes towards quality and safety in manufacturing. A culture that prioritises quality control and emphasises safety protocols creates a work environment where employees are vigilant and proactive in upholding these standards. By recruiting individuals who value quality and safety, manufacturing companies can maintain high-quality products and reduce the risk of workplace accidents or errors.
A company's culture is a key component of its employer brand, influencing how it is perceived by both current employees and potential candidates.
Manufacturing companies with a strong and positive culture are more likely to attract good quality candidates. By actively recruiting individuals who align with the company culture, manufacturing companies can enhance their employer brand and position themselves as employers of choice within the sector.
Recruiting to company culture within manufacturing is not just a matter of preference; it's a strategic imperative with far-reaching benefits. From improving employee engagement and collaboration to driving innovation and enhancing quality standards, a strong company culture lays the foundation for long term success.
At Rite People , we specialise in recruitment within manufacturing.
Contact our award winning team to chat about your staffing needs and find out how we can help.
01325 734860