Practical Steps for HR Leaders
In today’s climate, economic pressures and the rising cost of living are impacting employees at every level, but frontline staff often feel the strain the most. For HR professionals working in engineering firms or production environments, keeping staff engaged while they worry about their financial security can feel like an uphill battle. Yet, how organisations respond during these times can have a lasting impact on employee morale, retention, and productivity.
Understand the Pressures Your Staff Face
The most important step in our opinion starts with your team. It’s vital to acknowledge what your frontline teams are experiencing. Put yourself in their shoes. Increased fuel prices, higher food costs, and energy bills are biting hard, particularly for those on lower incomes. Open conversations, whether through team briefings, surveys, or one-to-ones, can help HR teams understand the most pressing concerns facing their workforce.
By listening, you demonstrate empathy and build trust: two essential ingredients in keeping staff engaged when times are tough.
Revisit Your Benefits and Support Offering
Now is the time to review the support your organisation provides. Are there quick wins you can introduce that will genuinely help your staff?
- Financial Wellbeing Support: Consider offering access to financial advice, budgeting workshops, or salary advance schemes to ease the pressure.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Make sure staff know about confidential counselling and support lines. Reinforce this regularly.
- Discount Schemes: Supermarket vouchers, fuel card discounts, or local partnership deals can make a difference to daily living costs.
Even modest initiatives can signal to staff that their employer cares, helping maintain engagement.
Flexible Work Practices
While flexibility in engineering and production roles looks different from office-based work, there are still creative ways to support staff. Could shift patterns be reviewed to reduce commuting days? Is there scope to offer compressed hours, overtime incentives, or job-sharing options?
Providing some level of flexibility shows your workforce you recognise their personal challenges and are prepared to support where possible.
Double Down on Communication and Visibility
In times of uncertainty, silence breeds anxiety. Regular, honest communication is crucial.
- Be visible: Encourage managers and senior leaders to spend more time on the shop floor. This visibility helps bridge the gap between leadership and the workforce.
- Check-ins: Short, regular briefings keep teams updated and reduce the rumour mill.
- Celebrate small wins: Recognise effort, even if results are harder to come by right now.
People engage more when they feel informed and included.
Invest in Skills and Development
Economic downturns are often when training budgets get cut—but doing so can be short-sighted. Upskilling your staff not only prepares the business for recovery but shows employees they are valued and have a future with your company.
- Offer on-the-job training
- Promote apprenticeships or qualifications
- Cross-train staff to increase flexibility and reduce monotony
Helping employees see a career pathway can be a powerful motivator, especially during tough times.
Foster a Strong Team Culture
Stressful periods can breed division, but they’re also an opportunity to pull together. Focus on team-building activities, however simple:
- Team breakfasts
- Toolbox talks with a wellbeing focus
- Recognition boards or shout-outs for good work
Creating moments of connection helps reinforce that everyone is in it together and that can significantly improve morale.
No Easy Solution
Engaging frontline staff in the face of economic stress isn’t easy, but small, thoughtful actions can make a huge difference. By listening, supporting, and communicating clearly, HR teams can help their workforce navigate difficult times while strengthening loyalty and resilience.
Your people are your greatest asset - investing in them, especially when times are tough, pays off in the long run.
Driving Talent Acquisition for the Manufacturing Industry
For over a decade, we’ve been at the forefront of connecting top talent with leading manufacturing businesses. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry, and our mission is to deliver exceptional recruitment solutions that drive your success.
With a proven track record of partnering with companies of all sizes, from innovative startups to established industry giants, we possess the expertise to meet your specific staffing needs. Our tailored approach ensures that we identify and attract the most qualified candidates who align with your company culture and strategic goals.
At the heart of our success is a team of industry-focused recruitment specialists. We combine in-depth knowledge of the packaging sector with a passion for finding the perfect fit. Our rigorous recruitment process, coupled with a dedicated training academy, guarantees that our consultants are well-equipped to deliver exceptional results.
By choosing us, you’re investing in a strategic partnership that goes beyond traditional recruitment. We’re committed to helping you build high-performing teams that drive innovation and growth within your organisation.
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