With the world moving towards automation, high-tech solutions to retain employees in skilled trades is the need of the hour. In today’s digital age, employees are being poached left and right, and retaining them with traditional methods is becoming harder and harder. But with the help of technology, companies can not only retain their employees but also improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the workforce.
According to a report published by Deloitte, the manufacturing industry alone will need to fill approximately 4.6 million jobs in the United States by 2028. The skilled trades sector will also face a significant shortage of workers in the coming years. With the increasing shortage of skilled labor in the workforce, companies must come up with innovative ways to retain their employees.
Let’s dive into the high-tech solutions that companies can use to retain their employees in skilled trades.
1. Robotics and Automation
With the help of robotics and automation, companies can streamline their processes, which will, in turn, free up the time of the workforce. This can be achieved by automating repetitive tasks that require a high degree of precision. By reducing the time and effort required for such tasks, employees will have more time to focus on tasks requiring creativity and problem-solving skills.
According to a study conducted by the European Union, automation can lead to an increase in productivity of up to 60%. This productivity translates into additional revenue, which companies can use to improve employee welfare by increasing wages and offering better benefits.
2. Wearable Technology
The use of wearable technology has transformed the way companies interact with their employees. An example of wearable technology is the smartwatch. Smartwatches can be used to track the time spent on a job, which can be used to make the payroll process more accurate. Wearable technology can also track the physical condition of workers, which will help companies monitor the health and well-being of their employees.
According to a study conducted by PWC, 82% of employees who use wearable technology stated that it has improved their work-life balance. This improvement in work-life balance can lead to higher employee satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
3. Mobile Applications
Mobile applications are becoming increasingly popular in the workforce. These applications can be used to communicate with employees, track their work progress, and provide them with relevant information. The use of mobile applications also promotes transparency and accountability, which can lead to greater job satisfaction among employees.
According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, 41% of employees stated that they would like to use mobile applications to access company-related information. By providing employees with easy access to information, companies can empower their employees, which will lead to higher satisfaction rates and lower attrition rates.
4. Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive technology that can recreate real-life scenarios. In the skilled trades sector, VR can be used to train employees in a safe and controlled environment. VR can also be used to simulate real-life scenarios that might be dangerous to experience in the real world. This not only ensures the safety of the employees but also reduces the training time required.
According to a study conducted by PWC, 69% of employees stated that they were more engaged in learning through VR as compared to traditional learning methods. This increased engagement will help employees absorb the knowledge required to perform their tasks efficiently, which will ultimately lead to higher productivity and greater job satisfaction.
5. Performance Management Systems
Performance management systems are becoming increasingly popular in the workforce. These systems can be used to track employee performance, provide feedback, and set future objectives. By providing employees with clear performance benchmarks, companies can ensure that their employees are working towards common goals.
According to a survey conducted by TinyPulse, 81% of employees stated that they would consider leaving their job for a company that offers better career development opportunities. By using performance management systems, companies can demonstrate to their employees that they are invested in their professional growth, which will increase employee retention rates.
Bottom line
Retaining employees in the skilled trades sector is becoming increasingly difficult in today’s digital age. By leveraging high-tech solutions, companies can not only retain their employees but also improve the overall efficiency and productivity of their workforce. By using these technologies, employers can create a more engaged and satisfied workforce, which will ultimately lead to a more successful and profitable company.
