5 Reasons DEI is Important in Manufacturing

03/17/2023

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With February’s celebration of Black History Month & this month being Women’s History Month, we’re focusing on DEI in manufacturing. Diversity & inclusion have become increasingly important in today’s workforce and culture. Companies and communities strive to create more equitable and inclusive environments, manufacturing included.

There are 5 reasons why diversity & inclusion are so important in today’s world, including:

  1. Improved problem-solving: When individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring a range of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table. This diversity of thought can lead to more creative and effective problem-solving, as well as better decision-making.
  2. Increased innovation: Companies that are more diverse and inclusive are also more likely to be innovative. This is because a diverse workforce brings a range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that can be used to create new products, services, and workplace procedures.
  3. Better representation: Diversity and inclusion ensure that everyone can participate and contribute to their community or workplace. This can lead to a better representation of different groups, and a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
  4. Increased market growth: A diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for companies that want to reach a wider market. This is because a diverse workforce can better understand and relate to the needs and desires of a diverse customer base.
  5. Improved employee morale: When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. A diverse and inclusive workplace can help create this type of environment, which in turn can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

One of the hot topics in manufacturing is talent pipeline. How do we set ourselves up for tomorrow’s success, today? By fostering an inclusive workplace and culture, you open your company up for additional talent. Today’s workforce is selective about the opportunities that appeal to them. Showcasing your company culture and it being a culture more find themselves inside of can help you broaden your talent pool – a benefit in addition to the 5 reasons mentioned. This article from Deloitte further touches on DEI in manufacturing.

Huhtamaki in Hopkinsville is one of our local manufacturers that has been adding benefits for childcare and using flex shifts to accommodate their employees, allowing more participation for those that wouldn’t traditionally be able to join the workforce due to these barriers.

South Western Kentucky is home to some of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Christian County is recognized as the youngest county in Kentucky with an average age of 29.1 years old. With close proximity to Nashville, TN and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 3-county region benefits from a continuous introduction of new residents from all regions of the country and world.  There are over 28 different countries represented in the 3-county region which are celebrated annually at the Hopkinsville International Festival.  This year’s festival is scheduled for March 24-25 at the Jennie Stuart Health Planters Bank SportsPlex in Hopkinsville, KY – we hope you’ll make the trip for it!