Ontario's manufacturing businesses were not ready for the pandemic despite the world giving us a sneak peek for months preceding it. 2020 will be the year that we endured a global crisis, which unleashed an economic devastation, with closures and a recession looming. The scars of the pandemic are visible in business closures everywhere.
It is challenging to imagine how our manufacturing industries can transition back to a pivoting, thriving, and prosperous Ontario.
The truth is that a recession is an opportunity. But it takes effort and care to reshape manufacturing following this unprecedented year, with fear of a looming recession still far from over. Now it is the time to take action with tread carefully on spending but slowly and steadily return to the operations to support Ontario's economy. The most significant expenditure for most manufacturing businesses is the people, so you need them to work smart, automate, and delegate as much as possible.
The resilience needed by all Canadians to help our economy recover and pivot is more critical than ever. Manufacturing may be the pandemic rescue.
One thing is for sure: Every business is making choices now that will have a lasting impact on all of Canada; employment, strategic planning and goal setting for survival as thing find their footing in the new normal after this year. Businesses that have manufacturing taking place in other countries have been paralyzed by the global and international restrictions and will be treading carefully to build a contained Canadian operation.
So how can our manufacturing businesses reshape their work processes to recover from this?
Be a provider of relief programs to support workplace wellbeing.
Employee wellbeing has been rattled and life is still very unsettled. Making this a vital priority will not only retain your employees but will help your business succeed. Communicate what services are provided through your Employee program to support mental health and all other aspects of health and wellbeing.
Set up new economic strategies
Work has always been and is more evident than ever, a critical component in peoples lives. Restoring businesses with optimistic but realistic strategies will help others feel a part of the restoration plan. That offers employees a purpose and is a game-changer in terms of outlook and performance.
Invest in programs to safely get people back to work - Providing signage to mark social distancing clearly and directional visuals help avoid confusion. Situate chairs and provide clear divider barriers to reinforce social distancing requirements. Offering the PPE needed are intentional measures to keep people safe while at work will go a long way to corporate social responsibility.
Recognize the critical role of culture - In manufacturing, this is often undervalued to support interactions leaders, management, employees and all stakeholders have. COVID 19 has been a culture-changing event and with job-security being at the top of everyone's mind, has become a sensitive topic. Employee recognition, open communication and offering performance feedback in a kind and constructive manner are vital to rebuilding culture.
Run Lean for a while - It is more important to get and keep great people then go through future cutbacks and risk again. Sharing partnerships to help you with the hiring process can help streamline processes on your behalf and ultimately save you from re-inventing the wheel.
First Hire can save you time and resources and allow you to work on the reshaping and recovery of your business. With contract options and all the policies, procedures and safety training available, you can focus on your product and protocols to help get the job done. Curious how to boost your recovery process? Let's chat.