Beyond the Tech: How Smart Factories can Thrive with Engaged Employees

It is clear that “smart factories” are not some science fiction phenomena that will emerge in the future, along with our family cars being replaced by flying DeLorean’s. Many smart factories are already in existence, with those businesses utilising them seeing marked improvements in productivity and invention.

So what does a business need to do to ensure the success of a smart factory initiative? It won’t simply be down to how sophisticated the technology is, the workforce will also play a significant part in determining this. If a workforce doesn’t “buy in” to the idea of a smart factory, then the success of this initiative will be severely hampered. Many in the workforce will be nervous about job losses and how a smart factory will impact their role within the business. It is therefore essential to communicate with staff so they understand what the objectives of the smart factory are. The ultimate aim will almost always be to make the business more efficient, increase productivity and make it “future proof”- therefore securing the viability of the business, and the employee’s livelihoods, going forward. It is important to get the “buy in” of employees from the outset, so that people are excited by the future and being part of the growth of the business.

However, if there are going to be reductions in the workforce due to these efficiencies, then this should form part of the consultation about any smart factory initiative. This will mean that from the outset, the workforce are aware that there may be redundancies, when these are likely to occur and the process that will be followed. Whilst such transparency may make the “at risk” part of the workforce concerned, this will provide an opportunity to have open conversations and discussions about the initiative and consider the transferable skills of those affected and any opportunities for redeployment, for example.

In addition, it is important to think about what employment law processes any changes may involve. For example, if there is to be a reduction in the workforce, would there be a proposal to dismiss as redundant 20 or more employees at one establishment within a period of 90 days or less? If so, would this trigger the collection consultation duties? Or are you looking at changing terms and conditions of employment where consultation may be required?

When looking at staffing generally, it is absolutely key that you have the right people leading this initiative. They will need to have drive, resilience, empathy and commerciality to make any changes a success. It is important to ensure that the right people are in post, or the correct people are recruited into post. When looking at recruitment, it is easy to follow the same recruitment processes that have been used for all of the businesses previous hires, however, a business should seize this opportunity to review recruitment practices. Should you vary where you advertise roles to ensure you attract the right candidate? Do you actively consider who you want to attract to the roles you are advertising for? Do you want someone who is the same as all of your other employees working at that level, or do you want a disrupter who will think differently and challenge the norm? Do you want to ensure that the person recruited or promoted is diverse in their approach and thinking? Think about your workplace culture and if this is evident from your job adverts to ensure you attract the right talent. Are you an inclusive workplace, where people feel their voice will be heard?

Diversity and inclusion are essential not just from a recruitment point of view, but also for a whole workforce perspective. Is diversity data tracked and are employees aware that diversity is valued? Do employees feel included, and do they feel that your workplace is a “safe space” and their wellbeing is catered for? This will all help in creating a workplace culture where employees all work towards the same goal and work towards the smart factory initiative being, and remaining, a success.