Addressing the Labour Shortage: How Corrugated Manufacturers are Attracting Talent

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Addressing the Labour Shortage: How Corrugated Manufacturers are Attracting Talent

At Royal Containers, we recognize that our industry is navigating through a challenging labour landscape. Ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce is crucial for maintaining our commitment to innovation, leadership, and quality of packaging in the corrugated space. Today, we delve into how the industry is tackling the labour shortage head-on and what steps Royal Containers is taking to attract top talent.

Industry Challenges and Trends

The corrugated packaging industry, like many others, faces a significant shortage of skilled labour. Factors such as demographic shifts, evolving job preferences among younger generations, and increased competition for technical skills have contributed to this challenge. However, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to grow, highlighting the urgent need for a capable and dedicated workforce.

Strategies for Attracting Talent and How Royal is Staying Ahead

In response to the labour shortage, corrugated manufacturers are adopting innovative strategies to attract and retain skilled employees:

1. Developing Leaders: Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and development, companies are investing in robust training programs. These initiatives not only equip employees with essential skills but also foster a culture of growth and advancement within the organization.

At Royal Containers, we prioritize ongoing training and development opportunities to empower our employees with the skills needed to excel in their roles and grow within the company. We use our continuous improvement program to foster learning through active employee engagement. Emphasis on growth starts from day one. In a recent Kaizen event, we developed a training procedure that acknowledges different learning styles and recognizes talent based on aptitude, aiding career development and instilling a sense of fulfillment. Combined with our mentorship program, this approach helps retain talent by making new hires feel welcomed and supported.

Celebrating diversity is a significant part of our culture. We promote from within, offering ample opportunities for advancement. Royal invests in comprehensive training for all roles whether it be in-house training supported by our ISO certification, topic specific training facilitated by our talented HR department and most importantly online training through AICC & our partnership with education platforms such as Acheiva. Employees have access to numerous resources for assistance and support. Additionally, we host several events throughout the year, focusing on employee appreciation.

Another great reason to work at Royal Containers is the structured support for personal and professional growth, which includes semi-annual formal reviews and monthly check-ins. These reviews are designed to set individual goals and ensure employees are set up for success. By prioritizing people, we have created an environment where individuals can thrive and grow into their best selves, fostering loyalty and commitment to long-term talent retention.

2. Competitive Compensation Packages: Offering competitive salaries and benefits packages is essential for attracting top talent in this industry. Corrugated manufacturers are aligning their compensation structures with industry standards to remain attractive to skilled workers.

At Royal Containers, we also offer a robust benefits package, a group RRSP plan and opportunities for advancement.

3. Emphasis on Workplace Safety: Ensuring a safe and supportive work environment is paramount. Companies are implementing rigorous safety protocols and providing comprehensive training to uphold workplace safety standards, thereby enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.

Safety is a core value at Royal Containers. We maintain rigorous safety protocols and provide ongoing training to ensure a secure work environment for all employees. We utilize continuous improvement strategies to maintain clean and visual workspaces and even won the 2023 Independent Safe Shop Award!

Our recent recertification in ISO underscores our commitment to quality and operational excellence, setting us apart as a leader in the field. Our ISO certification signifies that we adhere to stringent quality standards and continuously improve our processes, making Royal Containers an appealing workplace for those who value a structured and well-defined Quality Process and Program. This certification not only reassures our customers of our reliability but also attracts professionals who seek stability and a commitment to excellence in their careers.

4. Technology Integration: Embracing technological advancements is crucial for operational efficiency and employee engagement. Corrugated manufacturers are investing in automation and digital solutions to streamline processes and create opportunities for skill development in emerging technologies.

We leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency and offer our employees opportunities to work with state-of-the-art equipment and systems. In the last few years alone we have obtained the first Masterline DRO in the Americas and a robotic feeder to streamline efficiencies on our BOBST 66 Martin.

5. The Next Generation: Attracting and maintaining Gen Z talent is crucial for the continued success of Royal Containers. This generation values purpose-driven work and companies that give back to the community. At Royal Containers, we are deeply involved in supporting a multitude of organizations, including Harvest Hands, local athletes, and various other charities. Our active community involvement demonstrates our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our business operations. By fostering a culture of social responsibility, we not only contribute to the well-being of our community but also create a workplace environment that resonates with Gen Z professionals who seek meaningful and impactful careers.

While the corrugated industry as a whole is facing challenges posed by the labour shortage, we are proactively implementing strategies to attract and retain talent. The average tenure at Royal Containers is 16 years and we believe it is a testament to our core values. By prioritizing training, safety, competitive compensation, and technological innovation, we are not only addressing immediate workforce needs but also positioning ourselves as leaders in sustainable corrugated packaging. Together with our industry partners, we are committed to shaping a future where innovation and talent thrive.