Industrial Staffing Agencies: Can They Boost Production?

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant transformation.  

Are manufacturers turning to the specialized expertise of industrial staffing agencies to streamline their workforce issues, improve operational efficiency and boost production? 

In 2023, supply chains have become more complex and unpredictable. With a boom in production, leaders are assessing all possible options to optimize their operations, ecosystem, and talent pipeline. Workplaces are becoming more dynamic and geographically distributed. The labor market is still tight, and a massive shift in employee-employer relationships can be seen. In this scenario, the role and contribution of industrial staffing agencies have also increased manifold.  

Before discussing how these staffing agencies are marching shoulder to shoulder with manufacturing companies to boost production, let’s first talk about some of the major trends that will rule the manufacturing industry. 

Key trends that will dominate manufacturing industry in 2023

• Digital disruptions could drive manufacturing workforce productivity increase by 25% 
• Manufacturing firms likely to leverage automation and AI to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize their supply chains 

• Automation is becoming increasingly prevalent in the manufacturing industry and will likely continue in 2023. The workforce is expected to have the skills needed to operate and maintain new technologies 
• More focus will be on upskilling the workforce 
• Gig economy is likely to go up. A Sharp incline will be seen in contract & freelance work 
• Manufacturing firms will partner with industrial staffing agencies more this year to access a wider pool of skilled candidates 
• The top motivation for switching jobs would be higher salaries, followed by better benefits and perks, and greater flexibility in choosing when and where the workers choose to work 

• Employers will be expected to move forward with agility and proactive contingency planning 

You may note that the above trends highlight a very important aspect of the changing manufacturing landscape – Workforce transformation.  

And workforce transformation and production boost are closely interconnected in the context of organizational efficiency and productivity. An industrial staffing agency is crucial in facilitating workforce transformation within organizations. For example, talent acquisition – industrial staffing agencies can access a vast talent pool with diverse skills and expertise. They can help organizations identify and attract individuals with the desired skill sets for workforce transformation. By sourcing qualified candidates, staffing agencies assist in building a workforce that is better equipped to drive production goals. 

The role of industrial staffing agencies in workforce transformation 

An industrial staffing agency can be a path-breaker when delivering meaningful workforce transformations.  

• We have already talked about how the staffing agencies help get the best talent onboard, enabling companies to hire new employees faster and get them to work on the production floor.
  

• Secondly, they support companies in augmenting their traditional FTE model with a contractual and on-demand workforce model. With the provision of temporary or contract workers, companies scale their workforce up or down depending on demand. This flexibility enables companies to ramp up production during peak periods and in high-pressure situations. 
  

• Industrial staffing agencies also assume many HR responsibilities and liabilities associated with employment, such as workers' compensation and payroll taxes. This reduces the risk for companies and allows them to focus on their core business operations.
  

• They also help minimize disruptions by quickly responding to production demands, providing immediate support, and ensuring no gaps in the workforce. 

Building resilience and tackling production pain points

Industrial staffing agencies are excellent mediators that help resolve tough production challenges 

It’s imperative to understand that despite an optimistic forecast, manufacturing supply chains can be vulnerable, and companies can continue to face production challenges. That’s why companies need to be more agile, adaptable, and proactive in their overall strategy. An excellent industrial staffing agency can be your trusted partner in this and may help with smooth functioning. 

• When productivity and output expectations go up, it is obvious that increasing workforce requirements will push manufacturers to hire more skilled workers for technical, non-technical roles and highly specialized roles at a fast pace. The role of a staffing agency would be instrumental in this. 
  

• When a company has a production deadline but there is a limited workforce, it might have to compromise on its production objectives. This can be avoided. A reliable industrial staffing agency, with its strong crisis management capabilities, can help you meet production objectives and reduce losses during labor shortage or disruption of any kind. 
• With the retirement of experienced workers and the shortage of skilled workers, there is a skills gap in the manufacturing industry. If manufacturing companies fail to find enough skilled workers to fill their open positions, it will lead to staffing shortages, causing delays in production schedules. An industrial staffing agency, with its extensive talent network, can be extremely helpful in filling the skill gaps. 

Picking the right industrial staffing agency  

You may have access to many staffing agencies. But does your chosen staffing agency help meet production KRAs? 

It’s not necessary that every staffing agency fits your requirements perfectly. This is why before starting your selection process, outline what exactly you are looking for and whether it aligns with your business goals. While you do some serious thinking, some of the critical parameters that we feel you should definitely not miss when looking for an industrial staffing agency are – 

• Experience & Track Record: One of the primary factors to look for is the agency’s experience, history, and track record. Research the agency to get a sense of how it operates, if it can understand your requirements, and if it can handle high-pressure situations. Reach out to the agency executives with your questions and check out their website for testimonials, case studies, and client reviews to see how they have helped other companies achieve their production goals. 
  

• Modus Operandi: When choosing an industrial staffing agency, ensure that it has access to a vast pool of candidates and a systematic assessment process in place for screening them. Look for an agency that conducts in-depth interviews, skills testing, and background checks to ensure that they only send you the most qualified candidates. Also, check how the agency handles underperforming candidates.
  

• Unique Value Proposition: A value proposition of a staffing agency can make it stand out from the rest. It can be anything, such as accessibility to talent, innovation, technological integration, brand. What is the unique vantage point of your chosen industrial staffing agency? An agency should not only lead the profession but also reinvent the future or set precedence for competitors. 
  

• Responsiveness: The agency should be responsive and have a sense of urgency in filling your staffing needs. They should have a 24/7 customer service hotline that you can contact in case of emergencies.
  

• Pricing: Compare pricing: Finally, compare the pricing of different agencies to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Choose an agency that provides quality staffing services at a reasonable price.
  

• Compliance: Ensure the industrial staffing agency you select complies with local, state, and federal employment laws and best practices. This will safeguard your company from legal disputes that could otherwise prove costly for your business.
  

• Insightful & Aware: Check if your chosen industrial staffing agency is up to date with the latest employment trends and safety regulations and if it regularly trains its staff members to provide the best service to the client. 

Premier Staffing Solution can be your one-stop solution. From entry-level to skilled trades, this agency can be your reliable crisis and contingent staffing partner. Its veteran-owned business will bring core values of dedication, resilience, and integrity to ensure your business continuity. 

PSS cannot and does not provide legal advice. It’s important to consult with qualified counsel before adopting any new policies. It’s also your responsibility to determine whether legal review of work product is necessary prior to implementation.