Discover the importance of soft skills in the manufacturing industry and why they should be prioritized over hard skills in recruitment.
The Growing Importance of Soft Skills in Manufacturing
In the manufacturing industry, the focus has traditionally been on hard skills such as technical knowledge and expertise. However, in today's rapidly changing business landscape, soft skills have emerged as a crucial factor for success.
Soft skills play a vital role in manufacturing as they enable employees to effectively collaborate with colleagues, communicate with customers and suppliers, and adapt to new technologies and processes. With the increasing automation and digitization of manufacturing, employers are looking for candidates who possess a combination of technical proficiency and strong soft skills.
Soft skills refer to a person's interpersonal and communication abilities, problem-solving skills, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
A key factor that's driving the importance of soft skills is the increasing emphasis on teamwork and collaboration in the manufacturing industry. Modern manufacturing processes often involve cross-functional teams working together to solve complex problems and drive innovation. Soft skills such as effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution are essential for building strong team dynamics and achieving collective goals.
Furthermore, soft skills are crucial for adaptability in the manufacturing industry. As technology continues to evolve, employees need to be able to quickly learn and adapt to new tools and processes. Soft skills such as adaptability, flexibility, and a growth mindset enable employees to embrace change, learn new skills, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.
Overall, the growing importance of soft skills in manufacturing is driven by the need for effective communication, collaboration, adaptability, and customer-centricity. Employers are recognizing that technical expertise alone is not sufficient to thrive in the modern manufacturing industry, and are prioritizing candidates with strong soft skills.
Soft Skills Accelerate Career Progression
Soft skills not only play a vital role in securing a job in the manufacturing industry but also accelerate career progression.
Take one of our cell leads, Zach Mullen, for example. Zach has been an invaluable part of the Hirsh team for over two years, starting as a production machinist, and steadily progressing to become a highly skilled team member and leader.
While Zach joined the team with a machining background and relevant technical skills, it was his soft skills that accelerated his career progression. Zach is tenacious, a team player, a leader, and a lifelong learner. His ability to self-start, target learning opportunities for himself, and collaborate with other team members allowed him to advance at an incredibly fast pace.
Within 10 months of joining the team, Zach had progressed from an operator to a cell lead, not long after that he was completing setups, learning CNC programming, and training new team members.
Why We Prioritize Soft Skills over Hard Skills
While hard skills are undoubtedly important in manufacturing, we prioritize soft skills in our recruitment strategy. One reason for this is that hard skills can be taught and acquired through training, whereas soft skills are more inherent and difficult to develop.
Soft skills are transferable across different roles and industries, making employees more versatile and adaptable. In the manufacturing industry, where job roles and responsibilities are constantly evolving, employees with strong soft skills can easily transition into new roles and take on new challenges.
Moreover, soft skills have a significant impact on employee productivity and overall job performance. Studies have shown that employees with strong soft skills are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and satisfied in their roles. They are also better equipped to handle workplace challenges, resolve conflicts, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
In manufacturing, where teamwork and collaboration are crucial, employees with strong soft skills can contribute to a positive work environment and foster strong relationships with colleagues. This leads to improved communication, better problem-solving, and increased innovation across teams.
By prioritizing soft skills in our recruitment strategy, we aim to build a skilled and agile workforce that can not only meet the technical demands of the manufacturing industry but also thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Amanda White
