Monica Anderton, SPHR, CHRO of the North America Packaging and Paper Division at DS Smith, discusses HR challenges in the manufacturing sector, focusing on retention and recruitment amid labor shortages. She highlights strategies for building a resilient workforce, such as fostering a "sticky culture" and implementing inclusive leadership programs.
Monica explains that creative recruitment, including hiring bilingual interpreters, helps address talent shortages. She also emphasizes the importance of aligning HR practices with business goals to boost productivity.
“It is imperative, as an HR leader, to create strong partnerships with your business leaders and include them in how you attract, develop, and retain talent. They are the true owners of the culture and the story they tell. You must have a strong relationship where you foster collaboration and solve problems together.” - Monica Anderton
Anderton's leadership in HR at DS Smith promotes curiosity, inclusivity, and innovation. By fostering an experimental mindset and forming community partnerships, she has driven successful recruitment and retention strategies. Her approach encourages idea generation and adaptability, positioning the organization to navigate workforce challenges and industry changes.
Key Takeaways:
Cultivating an engaging and inclusive workplace culture is crucial for retaining top talent in the manufacturing sector.
Investing in training for managers and supervisors is essential to foster environments where employees thrive and stay committed.
Creative approaches, such as hiring interpreters to expand the talent pool, have proven effective in addressing workforce shortages.
Continuous feedback and engagement strategies help identify and address retention challenges, leading to improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.
HR strategies must align closely with business goals to ensure that talent management supports overall organizational success.
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