Focusing on People First to Gain a Competitive Advantage

BY TARYN DALMASSO

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE of manufacturing and the manufacturing worker look like as we emerge from the pandemic? In March 2020 as government shutdowns began, a new term, “essential workers” became a tagline. As other businesses were forced to close their doors, many manufacturing plants experienced the opposite as pantry loading emptied store shelves. From toilet paper to food to personal care products—integral items to the American household—require essential frontline workers in order to ensure the stability of the supply chain. Overnight the demand for manufacturing workers skyrocketed.

As we enter the fall of 2021, the need for skilled labor is still high, unemployment in Delaware is returning to historical rates and yet around every corner is another help wanted sign. So how does one stand out from the pack to ensure they can both attract and retain the talent they need?

Fair wages, paid time off, health insurance and a safe work environment are no longer competitive advantages—they are the cost of entry. Today’s workforce wants to feel connected to their company’s products and purpose. They also want more of a partnership—to see that their employer is as invested in them as they are in the company. This means a company needs to give their team more than just a paycheck. They must provide a clear vision of how the company can make an impact in both their team’s lives as well as the communities in which they reside. It’s about tapping into the heart of your teams.

At Edgewell Personal Care, one of our core values is “People First,” which means we focus on relationships and investing in our team while also ensuring we contribute to our communities. But what does this really look like and why is it an advantage?

We have put this value into action by partnering with Polytech Adult Education to develop apprenticeships and in-house training to increase the skills of our teams. We also created more entry level positions to allow us to attract and then develop talent, which widens the pool of applicants. In addition to skills training, we established career paths that our teams can follow. While not everyone may want to move into higher level positions, knowing that your company will help provide additional training so that you can move from a production technician into a maintenance position is a very compelling reason to stay committed to or join a company.

While investing in our teams is important, it’s also important that we invest in our communities. Our Edgewell teams support United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and Toys for Tots. But we’re most proud that we can provide free feminine care products—which we proudly manufacture in Dover—to local Delaware schools. This creates a shared sense of pride.

Once employers show that they are as invested in their team’s development and fulfillment as much as the financial numbers, and as employees embrace the company’s goals as their own, that team will be unstoppable and dedicated to each other. If you’re looking to thrive in manufacturing, make sure you focus on People First!

Taryn Dalmasso is the Head of Operations, Feminine Care Division at Edgewell Personal Care in Dover.