by Bill Link, on 9/29/23 10:04 AM
Clear goals, constant feedback, and gamification make the machine operator role more appealing to younger workers.
The packaging sector continues to struggle to attract younger talent, particularly in roles like Machine Operator. That's due, in large part, to the perception held by Gen Z and Millenial workers that manufacturing jobs are tedious, dangerous, and unrewarding.
Fortunately, this perception is beginning to shift, thanks to groundbreaking advancements in automation and modern software.
One such piece of modern software is Amtech's ScoreKeeper, which meets three important criteria that young workers say they expect from their jobs.
1. Setting Clear Goals and Expectations
Millennials and Gen Z workers thrive in environments where they have a clear understanding of what's expected of them. They want to know their roles, responsibilities, and how their performance will be measured. ScoreKeeper excels in this aspect by providing operators with clear, concise goals.
By having a transparent system that outlines what needs to be achieved, younger workers can focus on their tasks without the ambiguity that often leads to frustration or disengagement. When they know what's expected, they can channel their energy and skills more effectively, leading to increased job satisfaction.
2. Real-time Performance Tracking
One of the standout features of ScoreKeeper is its ability to display real-time performance metrics. Millennials and Gen Z are accustomed to instant feedback, thanks to the digital world they've grown up in. Whether it's "likes" on social media or the immediacy of instant messaging, they've come to expect rapid-fire responses.
ScoreKeeper taps into this preference by offering real-time feedback on how operators are performing against set goals. This not only allows for immediate course correction if needed but also provides a sense of accomplishment when targets are met. It's a continuous loop of setting, achieving, and resetting goals, which keeps the job dynamic and engaging.
3. Gamification and Healthy Competition
ScoreKeeper introduces an element of gamification to the Machine Operator role. By turning performance metrics into a game where operators can "score" based on their efficiency and accuracy, it adds a fun and competitive edge to the job. Younger generations, who have grown up with video games and competitive online platforms, naturally gravitate towards such systems.
This gamified approach not only makes the job more enjoyable but also fosters a healthy sense of competition among peers. When workers can see their performance compared to previous runs or other shifts, it motivates them to improve, leading to increased productivity and a more vibrant workplace culture.
Conclusion
The packaging industry, like many others, needs to adapt to the preferences and strengths of the younger workforce. Tools like ScoreKeeper from Amtech are leading the way in this transformation. By providing clear goals, real-time feedback, and a gamified approach, ScoreKeeper is making the Machine Operator role more attractive and fulfilling for Millennial and Gen Z workers. As industries continue to evolve, it's innovations like these that will shape the future of work.
Picture above: Amtech ScoreKeeper Enhanced Converting Display
