A manufacturing company on Cleveland’s west side dramatically improved its employee retention and engagement through the implementation of a skills-based career framework. Their journey offers valuable insights for other manufacturers facing similar workforce development challenges.
Getting Started
"In 2021, we saw concerning turnover rates that we traced directly back to limited growth opportunities," shares the company's HR Manager. "Our exit interviews revealed a clear message: employees were leaving because they couldn't see a path forward in their careers with us. We knew we needed to make significant changes to our approach."
The results speak for themselves. Within just one year of implementing the new framework, the company cut turnover rates by more than 50%. This structured approach not only enhanced retention but also revolutionized their hiring process, allowing them to better identify candidates with strong potential for growth and advancement.
Skills-Based Success
Success stories highlight the transformative power of this approach. For instance, a 19-year-old employee advanced to a team lead position in a remarkably short time thanks to his demonstrated skills. Additionally, high school hires progressed rapidly through the framework, showcasing its effectiveness in identifying and promoting talent. "When employees see a clear path for advancement and know exactly what they need to achieve it, their motivation and engagement skyrocket," explains the HR Manager.
Leadership played a pivotal role in the framework’s success. The commitment of the plant manager and other key leaders was crucial to its implementation and sustainability. However, maintaining such a program requires ongoing support and effort. The departure of leadership champions highlighted the challenges of ensuring continuity, as the lack of buy-in from new leaders made sustaining the initiative more difficult.
Learn the Framework to Create Pathways
While the program achieved significant success, it also underscored the importance of balancing comprehensive skill development with practical implementation. Simplifying the framework by focusing on core competencies can make it more sustainable over time.
Ready to transform your own workforce development approach? Join Manufacturing Works' HR Accelerator program, running February through July 2025. In partnership with Rework America Alliance and Urban League of Greater Cleveland, this program will guide you through implementing skills-based practices and other innovative HR strategies while helping you navigate common challenges and pitfalls that impede growth.
To learn more about creating effective career pathways in your organization, connect with Brianna Schultz today.