In the printing industry significant energy is focused on investing in technology evolutions that work faster, smarter and drive profitability. Attention should also be paid to maximising another business cost that also has the potential to power future success – staff.
Employees are one of the largest investments for companies not just in terms of wages but with regards to recruitment as well. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the median cost of hiring a senior manager in the UK is around £3,000. In Europe recruitment agencies typically charge 15% to 30% of the candidate’s first year salary. When coupled with the costs of training and onboarding, replacing skilled professionals is an expensive undertaking for any business.
However, employees can also be an operation’s biggest asset. They can be ambassadors for the business or vital cogs in a well-oiled machine.
But retaining happy, reliable, and knowledgeable workers is getting harder. Attracting new team members is also a challenge.
There are several reasons why:
- Aging Workforce: A large segment of experienced professionals is nearing retirement, causing a significant loss of institutional knowledge and technical expertise.
- Perception Challenges: The industry’s image can be outdated reducing its appeal to younger generations, who often see it as less dynamic than other tech-oriented fields
- New Technology: The fast-paced adoption of digital printing, automation, and sustainable solutions demands new skills that current employees may lack.
- Educational Mismatch: There’s a disconnect between industry demands and the focus of educational and training programs, resulting in a shortage of candidates with relevant skills.
To respond to these effectively printing companies should place emphasis on building an environment that fosters employee satisfaction, growth, and retention.
This can be achieved in the following four ways:
1 Leveraging Automation to Ease Skills Shortages
One effective response to the skills shortage in printing is through the adoption of automation. While this is often associated with efficiency and cost savings, it can also play a vital role in addressing the skills gap. By smartly managing routine tasks - such as job input and planning, colour correction, press setup, and material handling - companies can free up employees to focus on more complex, revenue-generating work that requires creativity and problem-solving. For example, smart workflows in prepress operations can streamline the preparation of digital files, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing overall efficiency.
By integrating more intelligent ways of working, employees can focus on tasks that enhance value and are harder to replicate with technology alone, such as customer engagement, quality control, and application innovation. This shift not only boosts productivity but also makes roles within the industry more engaging, potentially attracting younger talent interested in working with cutting-edge technology.
2 Employee Engagement and Retention
With skilled workers becoming harder to find and retain, it is crucial for companies to enhance their employee engagement. When employees feel connected to their roles and the goals of the company, they are more likely to stay long-term, reducing turnover and preserving operational knowledge.
Engaged employees often perform better, are more productive, and can be critical to mentoring and training the next generation.
Engagement should go beyond standard motivation techniques and include providing professional development opportunities, recognizing and rewarding contributions, and fostering a positive, supportive workplace culture. Establishing clear career pathways is also essential, helping employees see a future within the organization. When employees feel valued and see opportunities for advancement, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and help bridge the skills gap by training others in essential skills.
3 Building a Positive and Collaborative Culture
Creating a positive workplace environment can play a vital role too. Positivity in the workplace is infectious. When employees feel appreciated and part of a larger team effort, they are more motivated to contribute and support each other, resulting in improved job satisfaction and productivity. Companies that prioritize health and wellbeing are also likely to see improvements in employee satisfaction and reduced absenteeism, both of which contribute to retention and productivity.
Workplace environment extends beyond physical conditions to include fostering a culture where employees feel supported and motivated. By ensuring access to ergonomic tools, reducing excessive noise levels, and providing a space for relaxation, companies can make a significant impact on employee wellbeing. Flexible work policies, mental health resources, and open communication channels also support the creation of a healthy workplace.
Research consistently shows that when employees feel their company cares about their wellbeing, they are more committed to their work.
As teamwork and coordination are essential to delivering complex projects on time, fostering a collaborative environment can be a powerful retention tool. Collaboration is also crucial for knowledge sharing, which helps in filling the skills gap. Employees with years of experience can impart invaluable knowledge to newer team members, but this transfer of knowledge is only possible in a culture that encourages cooperation and mentorship. Cross-functional teams and open communication channels can also help in encouraging a culture where employees feel safe to share their expertise and learn from others.
4 Embracing Change and Upskilling for Future-Proofing
Prioritising upskilling and reskilling existing employees can help future-proof staff happiness. By offering continuous training team members can confidently keep up to date with the fast-paced change of technologies and ways of working.
Companies can foster a learning culture by investing in training programs that allow employees to build new skills and adapt to emerging technologies. Partnerships with industry associations, local colleges, or online learning platforms can facilitate continuous learning and skill development. For instance, courses in digital media design or production management can equip employees with skills relevant to new industry demands.
Upskilling programs not only fill immediate skills needs but also help employees see a future with the company. When employees feel that their company is invested in their growth, they are more likely to stay loyal, contributing to long-term retention and a more skilled workforce.
Proactive Approach
The skills shortage is an undeniable challenge, but with a proactive approach, companies can overcome it and position themselves for future success. Leveraging automation, fostering employee engagement, improving workplace environment, and embracing a culture of positivity and collaboration are all strategies that can help bridge the gap. At the same time, upskilling and reskilling initiatives provide employees with a path to growth and demonstrate the company’s commitment to their professional development. With the strategic adoption of technology, improved workplace conditions, and supportive career pathways, the printing industry can successfully ensure a strong future workforce.
