7 Powerful Hacks When Onboarding Your Manufacturing Workforce

The world of manufacturing is a high-stakes environment. Navigating a complex landscape of safety protocols, intricate equipment operations, and expertise in an industry they know little about is daunting for new hires. They need to quickly understand their surroundings, equipment operations, and industry-specific knowledge.

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Enhancing Employee Development through Performance Reviews

The Turnover Trap

Research indicates that replacing a skilled manufacturing worker may cost a company as much as 200% of their annual salary. That is a substantial financial hit. Effective onboarding is your best weapon against this expensive issue. A well-structured onboarding program gives new hires the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in your manufacturing environment.

Onboarding Hacks

Manufacturing HR software onboarding can streamline the recruitment process with reduced paperwork and improved efficiency. Interactive equipment training modules delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) boost knowledge retention. Setting clear goals and providing consistent feedback through performance management tools keeps new hires engaged and on track. Finally, social features within the software help build team spirit and a sense of belonging. These seven powerful hacks, powered by manufacturing HR software onboarding, can reduce turnover, boost productivity, and create a happier, more engaged workforce.  

Why is HCM Software Essential for Onboarding in the Manufacturing Industry?

In the manufacturing sector, effective onboarding is crucial due to complex tasks, compliance requirements, and safety protocols. Manufacturing software onboarding enhances this process significantly:

Centralized Documentation: HCM software centralizes essential documents like training manuals and safety protocols in a digital repository. With HCM software like PeopleHCM, employees can access their information more easily, and physical paperwork is reduced.

Compliance and Safety: The software provides peace of mind by monitoring compliance and tracking safety programs, ensuring regulatory adherence and a safe work environment.

Performance and Feedback: The software empowers employees by facilitating performance tracking and real-time supervisor feedback. Therefore, it promotes continuous improvement and a culture of excellence.

Integration with Other Systems: Seamless data flow with ERP and time management systems streamlines processes and ensures compliance.

Resource Allocation: HCM software automates equipment, workspace management, and IT access, ensuring new hires are ready from day one.

7 Powerful Hacks to Onboard Your Manufacturing Workforce with PeopleHCM

  1. Digital Onboarding Sets the Tone: Digital onboarding platforms create a seamless and engaging experience for new hires. This process simplifies paperwork and provides a centralized location for all onboarding activities. According to 2019 survey by CareerBuilder, 93% of employers who use onboarding software say it significantly improves the new hire experience. It ensures new hires have access to necessary resources from day one. This efficient process reduces administrative burden and creates a positive first impression for new employees.

    PeopleHCM's digital onboarding feature streamlines the onboarding process, allowing HR managers to automate repetitive tasks and focus on creating a positive experience for new hires. The centralized platform ensures all necessary documents and resources are easily accessible, setting the tone for a smooth onboarding journey. This makes PeopleHCM an ideal choice for manufacturing software onboarding.

  2. Pre-boarding Creates Anticipation: Engaging in pre-boarding activities can help alleviate a new hire's stress and assist them in making it through their first day. With documents and other necessary information collected electronically and the first-day schedule prepared beforehand, new hires can be excited to hit the ground running. Adopting pre-boarding activities is a proactive method to guarantee a problem-free hand-off and strengthen onboarding software for small businesses

  3. The Warm Welcome Awaits: It is important to warmly welcome new joiners on the first day, ensuring they are comfortable and part of the organization. A centralized feature to track all tasks ensures seamless completion of the onboarding process, such as introductions with top members, facilities tours, and provisioning of necessary equipment. This structure makes it easier for new hires to orient themselves into their environment and team faster.

    PeopleHCM tracks tasks to ensure all onboarding steps are completed expeditiously. It also simplifies communication between managers, HR, and newbies, making it highly effective for manufacturing HR software onboarding.

  4. Mentor for Success: Assigning a mentor or buddy to new hires can greatly enhance their onboarding experience. Studies show that assigning a mentor can improve new hire retention by up to 70%. Mentors provide guidance, answer questions, and help new employees navigate their roles. Communication tools facilitate easy introductions and ongoing interactions between mentors and new hires, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

  5. Focus on Learning and Development from the Start: Incorporating hands-on training sessions with experienced operators is essential in the manufacturing industry. Tracking new hires' progress and assigning relevant learning opportunities ensures they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge from the start.

    PeopleHCM allows HR managers to track new hires' progress in the objectives tailored to the manufacturing environment. This ensures new employees receive comprehensive training, enhancing their skills and confidence, making it an excellent onboarding software for small businesses.

  6. Break Down Silos and Foster Collaboration: Creating opportunities for new hires to collaborate with experienced team members fosters knowledge transfer and cohesion. Practical communication features are essential for facilitating these interactions and breaking down silos within the organization.

    It encourages a collaborative environment, promoting knowledge transfer and teamwork, which is critical for manufacturing software onboarding.

    Gallup research indicates that employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work.
  7. Feedback is Key to Continuous Improvement: Feedback is essential for new hires in the manufacturing industry. It helps the employees understand the regular routines of performance reviews (half-yearly, quarterly) that advance the careers of those on staff and increase the organization's innovativeness.

    • Practicing regular feedback and appraisal sessions ensures that new hires:
    • Understand what's expected of them in their everyday role
    • How those expectations are tracked and measured
    • Resources for providing their own opinions and process improvement ideas
    • Set and review short- and long-term goals, which increases buy-in and decreases turnover.

Key Legal Requirements for Onboarding Employees in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector

Onboarding employees in the U.S. manufacturing sector involves adhering to various legal requirements to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Anti-discrimination laws such as Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and GINA must be observed to prevent discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, and genetic information.  

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards mandate the provision of a safe workplace, encompassing hazard communication and machine guarding. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) also requires offering up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees. At the same time, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulates employer-provided health and retirement plans.

PeopleHCM: Your Onboarding Partner in Manufacturing

Onboarding Initiation

PeopleHCM provides a streamlined initiation process to kickstart the onboarding journey for new hires in the manufacturing industry. Advanced automation and user-friendly interfaces simplify the onboarding initiation, ensuring all necessary steps are completed promptly and efficiently. Reduces the administrative burden on HR teams and ensures compliance with industry-specific regulations.

Employee Uploading Data

New hires can upload their personal information, documents, and certifications directly into the system. This ensures the accurate collection and secure storage of required data, reducing the risk of errors and data breaches. Centralizes employee data, helping manufacturing companies maintain organized records crucial for compliance and efficient workforce management.

Verify Employee Data

PeopleHCM offers robust data verification tools that allow HR teams to cross-check and validate the information provided by new hires. It identifies discrepancies early on, ensuring all employee records are up-to-date and accurate. Automates the verification process, reducing the likelihood of human error and enhancing the overall reliability of employee data management.

Wrap up

A customized onboarding feature with PeopleHCM, recognized as the best onboarding software for small businesses, significantly enhances safety, productivity, and employee retention within manufacturing teams. Tailored onboarding processes ensure new hires understand safety protocols, effectively use complex equipment, and quickly adapt to specific industry requirements. Improved onboarding experiences increase employee satisfaction and retention, reducing turnover rates and associated costs. With PeopleHCM, manufacturing firms can achieve a seamless transition for new employees, fostering a positive work environment from day one.

PeopleHCM offers a comprehensive solution that transforms the onboarding process for manufacturing companies. Features like onboarding initiation, employee uploading data, and verifying employee data ensure new hires are well-prepared and smoothly integrated.  

Using PeopleHCM, manufacturing firms can streamline their onboarding processes, enhance compliance, and create a supportive, efficient work environment, setting the stage for long-term organizational success.


Are you looking to streamline your manufacturing workforce's onboarding process? PeopleHCM simplifies onboarding for manufacturing with automated tasks.

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