Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1508599
T he wooden pallet industry depends on dedicated people who can be trusted to do the work of making, selling, and distributing the product. In a recent Workforce Challenges Study conducted by NWPCA, the Pallet Foundation and the Center for Manufacturing Research, the report cites top challenges for the industry (read more about this on page 30). e study acknowledges the historically tight labor market as a significant factor, and contributing most to poor retention and high turnover is the industry's strenuous labor required of entry- level workers. Also effecting retention, better compensation is also a reason employees leave their jobs. Furthermore, noted in a Harvard Business Review article on employee retention, a key factor driving turnover is stagnation in a role, stating, "Workers who don't see a clear progression from their current role to a better position in their company ultimately turn to opportunities elsewhere." Development of a pathway to success is critical to retaining those whom could become your next legacy employee. PalletCentral spoke with three NWPCA members who began their job experience with limited or no knowledge of the industry. Larry Draughn of PalletOne, Beatrice Vasquez of Oxnard Pallet Company, and Zilhad Dzihic of Atlanta Pallets and Services each share their story, and offer nuggets of workplace wisdom in the process. Workforce 12 PalletCentral • September-October 2023 palletcentral.com Three pallet industry executives share their journey through the ranks of the business and offer inspiration for managing employee success. Lessons in Growth By Caryn Smith Top: Zilhad Dzihic, Atlanta Pallets and Services, with members of the production team. Inset: Beatrice and Elias Vasquez, with the Oxnard Pallet Company team, and Congresswoman Julia Brownley.