Manufacturers and labour groups must develop more collaborative relationships to ensure that workplace practices develop with the flexibility and incentive structures in place that will allow for enhanced productivity and the attraction and retention of skilled workers.

Manufacturers must develop human resource management into a core competency. In turn, HR managers must focus their efforts on driving business improvement and innovation through the development and reward of employees. Manufacturers must see their job as one of asset management – in attracting, retaining, deploying, developing, managing, and investing in the knowledge base of their workforce.

Manufacturers must focus on employee needs by creating three- to five-year plans that identify employees’ goals, promotion opportunities, skills, capabilities, and experience.

Business associations must facilitate the sharing of best practice with respect to employment and workplace practices through better communication, on-line information sources and contacts, the formation of special interest groups of manufacturers, and awards and other means of recognizing excellence.