September 2021 MiMfg Magazine 17
Stepp suggested something called “ reboarding ,” or bringing a mixed group of employees together to give them shared experiences , introduce them to each other ( in person or virtual ) and facilitate the connections that would normally happen naturally when everyone is in the office together . The people she suggests inviting are a mix of people who were hired completely remotely at the beginning of the pandemic , and current employees who have been disconnected for a while . She emphasizes this as a critical step in rebuilding a company culture where people are excited about and proud of their employer and their work .
“ For your most important , critical roles , make sure you ’ re doing what people need to keep talent because it is very competitive ,” said Stepp . “ People are being paid $ 18 to work for McDonald ’ s , with promises of college tuition reimbursements . How is your company going to keep up ?”
Building a Healthy Workplace Culture
Employee retention is not a one-size-fits-all approach , nor is it a one-and-done attempt . Employers must consistently work to make their employees feel seen and heard , through recognition programs and by building a healthy workplace culture .
Continue to re-recruit your current employees . Demonstrate to your employees your company ’ s importance and value to them . It is our job as the employer to continue to show people why it ’ s important that they stay with us .
— Candace Kettner The Shyft Group
According to Stepp , the pandemic amplified every aspect of a company ’ s culture .
“ If you have a great culture , COVID-19 amplified that . But if you don ’ t have a good culture , COVID-19 amplified that , too .
“ One of things that I think is very important around culture is you can ’ t just think about managers ,” she continues . “ You have to think about the culture that you want , how you are leading , how you are a great manager today with a blended workforce — what does all that look like ? How do you make sure you ’ re providing the support that people need ?”
Paul Harvey , Vice President at Escanaba-based Engineered Machined Products ( EMP ), emphasizes a business ’ involvement in its community as a core component to building a workplace culture where employees feel fulfilled .
Get More ! This is the second of a two-part series looking at manufacturing ’ s skilled labor gap in Michigan . Check out the MMA Blog to read the first article at mimfg . org .
“ We ’ re basically the largest manufacturer in our county and we focus very heavily on giving back by supporting youth-based programs in our community ,” says Harvey . “ We have so many of our employees who are coaches and mentors with community organizations such as Big Brothers , Big Sisters or hockey programs . We encourage involvement in their community . We ’ ve created a culture of opportunity , and we find ways to recognize them for their contributions .”
Harvey attributes his company ’ s relative success in retaining employees to the community ’ s image of his organization and the positive culture this serves to create .
“ You can talk to anybody in our community about EMP . You can call the Chamber of Commerce or the city or the schools and I think you ’ ll get very similar , if not substantially better , reports about EMP .”
Community engagement is normally an easy and fun thing to do that accomplishes a lot . At Hatch Stamping Company they have a Community Involvement team at all of their locations and they , along with the HR team and Management , coordinate employee events that include giving back to the communities surrounding them as well as provide sponsored events that reinforce their appreciation for the Hatch team members .
Hatch hosts many events to show appreciation for the staff and community .
“ We have annual picnics for the staff , we provide employees with turkeys for Thanksgiving , and we host Christmas parties for the employees ’ children ...” says Hatch ’ s Suzanne Morrison . “ These are all ongoing and only some of the efforts established to let our employees know we appreciate them and their families . Additionally , we celebrate the great work the team is doing with