How Exoskeletons Give You the Edge to Find and Retain Top Talent in a Competitive Job Market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about dramatic shifts in the global workforce. One of the most significant issues confronting businesses in the post-pandemic economy is employee retention and recruitment. As a result, companies that were able to weather the storm of the pandemic are now struggling to meet their staffing requirements. So many people have quit their jobs that they have given the trend a name, The Great Resignation. But why are people leaving, and what can companies do to have a fighting chance to convince them to stay?

What is The Great Resignation?

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world as we know it, and many people had their lives turned upside down as a result. Some lost their jobs; others lost loved ones or their health, compelling a large percentage of the population to reprioritize the things they care about most.

Perhaps time in quarantine, and the fear of death, have made people realize that life is short. As a result, some have decided to change companies or work fewer hours to spend more time with family and friends. Others are retiring early or leaving their careers to pursue their passions.

Feeling unappreciated is one of the most commonly reported reasons people left their previous roles. Essential workers are a great example of this. They are often the lowest-paid staff members, but companies still expected them to continue showing up to work while others were safe at home. Understandably, many felt that their safety was not a priority for their employers and that the low wages did not justify the high personal risk. As a result, they have fled their old positions in mass and have not returned since.

What does the labor shortage mean for your company?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the cost of replacing an employee is up to 2 times an employee’s salary, and 47.4 million Americans quit their job in 2021. There are now more job openings than workers able or willing to fill them, and companies that want to retain and attract the best workers need a new approach.

The balance of power has shifted, and workers have more leverage than ever before. As a result, companies that want to stand a chance must start thinking of the value they provide potential employees beyond just a steady paycheck. Those that do not will continue to struggle to maintain and attract key talent.

Boost employee well-being and staff retention with the Cray X

What are workers looking for in an employer?

According to a 2022 Gallup poll of 13,085 workers in the United States, employee priorities have changed. Besides income, a company that cares for its workers is the most important thing for potential employees. For example, 61% of respondents listed personal well-being as very important when picking a new employer, an 8% increase since the last poll in 2015.

Since the pandemic, people have been more concerned with their health and safety, and for a good reason. Unfortunately, even with all the improvements in workplace safety, people are still getting hurt at an alarming rate.

People are still getting hurt at work

Injuries are bad for people; they are also terrible for business. Employers reported 2.7 million injuries and illnesses and 4,764 fatal workplace injuries in 2020. According to the National Safety Council, companies in the United States spent 163.9 billion dollars on preventable workplace injuries in 2020. In addition, workplace fatalities cost employers an average of 1.3 million dollars per occurrence.

Soft tissue injuries are the most common type of preventable workplace injury in the United States and average 13 days of lost time per injury. In addition, 60% of workers report having one or more musculoskeletal disorders, the most common being back pain. Industries that use manual labor, like construction and warehousing, should be particularly concerned with these numbers.

Show your employees you care about them

A proactive approach to injury prevention is one of the best ways to boost employee well-being and staff retention. Many companies have begun to train employees on proper lifting and handling techniques. However, musculoskeletal disorders continue to rise, meaning employers must take additional measures to protect workers.

One way to combat this troubling trend is by taking a step into the future of manual labor by introducing new exoskeleton technology to your workforce. The Cray X from German Bionic is an industry leader and the first exoskeleton that supports the lower back to provide 66 pounds of lifting support plus active walking assistance.

Adding new technology or equipment to your process can be disruptive, but it does not have to be. When choosing an exoskeleton platform, ensure it is fully connected and easily integrated into any industrial IoT environment or Smart Factory ecosystem. Also, with a built-in early warning system, exoskeletons like the Cray X and the new Apogee can fight back against poor posture and lifting practices to prevent injuries. Finally, the best options on the market offer extensive reporting functions that provide real-time data that can optimize processes, maximize ROI, and provide insight into how your new exoskeletons are positively impacting your business.

Protecting your workers’ physical and mental health creates a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce with less absenteeism and turnover. In addition, companies that move towards exoskeletons will see a reduction in their soft tissue injury rates and make a clear statement to their employees that they care about their well-being.

German Bionic can help

If your company has struggled to manage the post-pandemic labor shortages, maybe it is time to take a new approach to attract and retain top talent. Workers today want a company that cares about their health and safety. Apogee and the Cray X exoskeleton from German Bionic are a clear statement that you value their well-being. Get in touch today!

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