Workforce Management

Poll: Many Unemployed Americans in No Hurry to Return to Workforce

A new survey conducted by the U.S. Chamber finds that nearly one-third of unemployed workers don’t expect to return to work anytime this year — and half of those say they will never return. Roughly 28% of respondents agreed that unemployment benefits were a key reason for the reluctance to return to work. (Ohio will end its participation in federal government’s supplemental unemployment payment program on June 27.)

Other factors included childcare and other family care needs (24%), a lack of available jobs due in sectors that are still suffering (28%), and COVID-19 concerns (26%).

Meanwhile, here are the current trends in the U.S. labor force participation rate and Ohio’s workforce participation rate. 6/8/2021

Updated Directory for Ohio’s Industry Sector Partnerships

Industry sector partnerships (ISPs) are a key factor behind the Buckeye State’s success in developing the next generation of manufacturing workers. Ohio’s ISPs foster collaboration and resource-sharing among manufacturers at the local level, while transforming how employers attract talent.

The OMA has published this updated directory, which includes contact information for 19 ISPs covering the majority of Ohio counties. OMA members are encouraged to connect with the ISP serving their region, or email Sara Tracey for help organizing. 6/2/2021

Launch an Earn-and-Learn Program for Your Entry-Level Positions

On Thursday, June 24, from 10-11 a.m., an OMA webinar will showcase a toolkit for industry sector partnerships and manufacturers interested in launching earn-and-learn programs for entry-level employees.

While many manufacturers have more entry-level openings than they can fill, a customizable earn-and-learn program can help close the gap. Fortunately, the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet) has compiled national and locally tested best practices in recruiting, screening, and training people with no manufacturing experience. Learn more about this online event. 6/3/2021

Spread the Word About Manufacturing Careers

The Making Ohio initiative and MakingOhio.com were established by the OMA and its partners to spotlight rewarding careers in manufacturing. To help students, young workers, and career-switchers visualize manufacturing’s opportunities for growth and advancement, MakingOhio.com features job categories and job descriptions — complete with estimated salaries, education requirements, and job number estimates. Check out these features at MakingOhio.com and share the information with others. 6/2/2021

Quantifying the Nation’s Workforce Crisis

The U.S. Chamber this week released a study that finds there are currently half as many available workers for every open job across the country (1.4 available workers per opening) as there have been on average over the past two decades (2.8).

According to the study, 91% of state and local chambers say worker shortages are holding back their economies. Midwest states have been hit hardest by the labor shortage, the study says. 6/3/2021

Weigh In: Status of Diversity & Inclusion Among Manufacturing Industry

The Manufacturing Institute — the workforce arm of the National Association of Manufacturers — is committed to supporting manufacturers’ efforts to build diverse and inclusive workplaces and strengthen equal opportunity. As such, it is looking to collect information regarding current practices and attitudes related to diversity and inclusion (D&I) to establish a baseline of the current state of D&I in manufacturing.

Here’s a survey from the Manufacturing Institute in which you are urged to report what is – or isn’t – going on in your company with respect to this matter. All input is valuable and relevant to benchmarking the current state.

Your responses are strictly confidential and will only be used in aggregate to benchmark the entire industry – individual responses will not be reported in any way.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. As always, your input is essential to our collective success. Please reach out to OMA’s Sara Tracey if you have questions. 5/21/2021

Tight Labor Market Calls for Creative Solutions: Job Design as a Strategy

With national attention on the labor shortage, some Ohio manufacturers are raising wages and offering signing bonuses to entice applicants. Meanwhile small- and medium-sized manufacturers can’t compete with the rapid jump in starting wages offered by warehousing, retail, and larger manufacturers.

Enter Job Design, a branch of workforce development, that is gaining national attention—and becoming a frequent topic of discussion among OMA’s workforce community. The National Fund for Workforce Solutions has launched a Job Design Framework for businesses, offering strategies for creating quality jobs that help attract and retain good employees. Check out the resources to find strategies and tools to increase job quality without breaking the bank.

How are you addressing the labor shortage? Share your best practices and success stories with OMA’s Sara Tracey. 5/27/2021

More TechCred Dollars Coming Your Way in June

Ohio’s TechCred program enables employers to help their employees earn short-term, technology-focused credentials at no cost. Businesses can not only upskill current employees and also those they plan to hire (as long as they are on the payroll at the time of reimbursement). Employers can receive up to $2,000 for each current or new employee who earns a qualified credential (up to $30,000 per funding round).

More than 1,100 Ohio businesses have used TechCred, some having used it multiple times, creating the opportunity for 19,841 technology-focused credentials to be earned by Ohio employees.

The next round of TechCred opens on June 1^st and closes on June 30^th at 3 p.m. Visit the Ohio TechCred website to learn more. 5/24/2021

New Earn-and-Learn Mentorship Program Launched

A key element of successful earn-and-learn (apprenticeship) programs is mentorship. Apprentices work side-by-side with an experienced colleague, learning not only technical skills but also workplace expectations and company culture.

This can be challenging for manufacturers because even your best machinist or maintenance technician may not have much experience training and coaching others. That’s why the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Partnership (OMWP) — a collaboration of the OMA and Ohio TechNet — is launching its Earn-and-Learn Mentorship program next week.

This new program has 14 participants from nine companies enrolled in the first cohort. It will run for six weeks as new mentors learn how to help trainees master and apply new skills. Participants will also learn communication skills, take part in weekly coaching sessions, and have an opportunity to test their new skills on the job. At the end of training, participants will earn a NIMS On-the-Job Trainer credential.

For more on this program and other earn-and-learn opportunities, email Sara Tracey. 5/20/2021

10-Step Plan to Fill Out Your Workforce

With more COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this 10-step plan to help employers attract and retain former employees and new applicants. Tips include offering referral bonuses, assisting in paying college tuition or loans, and promoting your safety protocols. 5/19/2021