The global pandemic has led to a multitude of challenges for the automotive industry. With shutdowns and general uncertainty in the marketplace, OEMs and their suppliers were forced to dramatically slow or cancel production. As a result, orders for semiconductors in the auto sector significantly decreased. At the same time, other consumer electronics, including smart home devices, computers and medical equipment continued to grow and thrive in the pandemic, quickly filling the gap that auto makers left in the semiconductor supply chain.
Although shortages have noticeably disrupted production in many industries across the globe, the automotive industry has been one of the hardest hit. Experts anticipate shortages to begin to ease around the third or fourth quarter of 2021 but say it could be into 2022 before the supply chain fully syncs with demand.
What does this mean for staff shortages?
In an already competitive staffing market exacerbated by the pandemic and subsequent hiring challenges, automakers are left in an exceptionally challenging position. With reduced production capabilities and worker shortages, many OEMs have been forced to implement extended shutdowns and pause production.
This means automakers and their suppliers must be prepared with alternative workforce solutions when they are ready to ramp up again. Traditional employee recruiting and staff retention during variable work schedules can present additional hurdles. Similar to the shortage and rerouting of the semiconductor supply chain, employees have had to shift and refocus their careers and expectations based on job availability.
Flexibility is essential
Working with a prequalified staffing company that is knowledgeable in the automotive sector is essential to support manufacturers in their need to remain agile in the tumultuous climate of the unknown. A company that maintains a bench of qualified employees, ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice, will be key to supporting increased production schedules and potential future downturns.
At Malone, we offer over 50 years of experience working with automotive partners across the industry. Our highly experienced team of recruiters provides the support our clients need, not only for recruiting and hiring, but also for industry insight and personnel management. Having Malone on your team means flexibility to modify staffing needs and strategies on the fly, enabling your organization to focus on your core business and outputs.
As the U.S. and world economy continues its trajectory into an uncertain future of shortages and shutdowns, Malone will be here, doing what we have done since 1969, providing a variable workforce to automotive partners throughout the nation.
Contact a Malone staffing and recruiting expert today to understand how we can support your strategy for the future. Whether you need an entire workforce or a single employee to offer administrative flexibility, we’ve got you covered.