General labor talent often goes unnoticed. But it can play a vital role in your operations. Let’s take a look at some reasons why it’s worth recognizing and investing in these employees to build a stronger, more balanced workforce.
Filling All-Purpose Staffing Needs
One of the biggest advantages of general labor workers is that they don’t have a defined niche. And many of them are jacks-of-all-trades – they may not have specialized skills in any one area, but they’ve been around the block enough to know a reasonable amount about many different things. This makes it easy to slot them in wherever you have gaps.
Supporting Your Skilled Labor
Your general labor workers can also help to support your more specialized employees. Acting as assistants, they can perform many of the more repetitive tasks, freeing up those with technical knowledge to work on specific tasks. They can even fill in as needed, rotating between multiple stations to help out as required.
Building Your Talent Pipeline
Few employees today remain with the same company through retirement. This means that most employers need to hire on a regular basis. Your general labor employees can provide an ongoing pipeline for future staffing needs. Pair them with skilled workers and allow them to learn on the job. Consider paying for employee development programs and certifications, and you’ll always have a pool of talented, loyal workers to fill higher-level positions as they become available.
Spreading the Word
Professional life can be tough for general laborers. They aren’t always recognized for their talents or treated as full members of the team. If you develop a reputation for treating them well and providing opportunities for advancement, word will spread. This can make it easier to attract and retain top candidates at all levels of your organization.
General labor is often overlooked, but these talented workers can fill a vital role in your company. Treat them well, recognize their accomplishments, and give them plenty of opportunities for learning and development. And be sure to make them feel like part of the team. With a bit of effort on your part, they can turn into loyal, long-term employees working their way up the ladder.
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