Scarcity Of Direct Labor Force- Apparel Manufacturing
Scarcity Of Direct Labor Force- Apparel Manufacturing
With the introduction of the open economy policies in 1977, both local and foreign investors started investing on apparel industry in large scale (Sri Lanka Export Development Board 2022). Sri Lanka is well known as one of the nations for the best quality and was recognized by reputed brands around the world. Apparel manufacturing considered as semi-automated industry which major contribution is from human hand.
Image 1 - (Senarathne,2020)
1. Why Human Recourse is vitally important
It is still under experiments the possibility to make garments without human hand involvement, but it is a big question mark as can it be come true. Different fabrications / variety of designs / frequently change demands are the barriers for fully automations and indirectly it uplifts the demand of human resource for apparel manufacturing. Therefore, human resource is still the leading factor for the development of the apparel sector. Three type of worker categories can be identified in apparel sector,
- Knowledge workers
- Manual workers (operational level)
- Direct workers
- Indirect workers
- Data workers
first three decades from 1977, apparel industry had enough work force and workers from rural areas willingly migrated into the free trade zones located in cities. Direct work force with skillful / Literate / flexible is an important factor for the industry for many reasons as mentioned below and they are considered as lifeblood or heart of an organization. (Tammita,2010)
- Cash cow of the company
- Company profit is mainly based on them.
- For QQT (Quality Product /Accurate Quantity/On Time delivery)
- First time right product
- Build customer reputation.
2. Current Challenges For Recruiting Direct work force
Apparel manufacturing process is always challenging and stressful (Global Journals,2020). Apparel manufacturing is female dominated industry from the initial days. initial stage female work force around 90% of the total work force but gradually changed to around 65%. The main reason to recruit high percentage of female workers to control industrial conflicts. But circumstances still forcing to recruit male work force due to difficulty of finding direct work force.
- Open industrial opportunities in rural areas
- Young generation looking for relaxed / low stressful opportunities.
- Opportunities open with comfortable time frame (food cities / fashion shops)
- Economical facts such as take-home salary not compatible
- hourly paid or daily paid industries pop up.
- Increase government and privet sectors support to start small scale home business.
3. Suggestions to improve the Direct work force barriers
It is equally important to take measures for both recruiting direct work force as well as measures for retention of existing direct work force.
- Increase deskills operations to convert indirect work force to direct work force.
- Training and development to make direct work force multi skill.
- Increase earning opportunities by productivity improvement/skill allowances.
- Provide free consultation and support at personal matters.
- Organize events to increase job satisfaction and reduce stress.
- Re visit rules and regulations to make more confutable and convenient
- Create culture with care and ethical environment.
- Sustain health and safety environment.
References
Sri Lanka Export development board (2022) Industrial capability report. srilankabusiness.com[online]. Available at https://www.srilankabusiness.com/ebooks/industry-capability-report-apparel-2021.pdf. Accessed on 2nd July 2023
Welmilla (2020) Human resources challenges in apparel industry in Sri Lnaka. researchgate.net[online]. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339212370_Human_Resources_Challenges_in_Apparel_Industry_in_Sri_Lanka. Accessed on 2nd July 2023
Tammita et al (2010) Human Resource Management Journal. mgt.sjp.ac.lk[online].Available at https://mgt.sjp.ac.lk/hrm/2010-vol-1-n0-1-hrm-scintilla-human-resource-management-journal/. Accessed on 3rd July 2023
I would also like to add that the apparel manufacturing sector is a globalized industry. This means that workers from all over the world are employed in this sector. The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with people from different cultures is essential for success in this industry.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I think the blog post does a good job of explaining the importance of human resources in the apparel manufacturing sector. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this industry.
Our country's grant export income source is the apparel industry. The work done by the human resource management departments of each organization should be appreciated by maintaining the human resource management of those workers at a very high level and encouraging them. It is very regrettable that there is no intervention by the government to revive the industry at present.
ReplyDeleteI U K Yaddehige.
MBA (Batch28).
The garment business is an organization system that extends from the bottom to the top positions.
ReplyDeleteIt is a huge business that takes rural as well as the world. But it is a problem whether its human resources are still satisfied. The government's effort to develop this sector feels inadequate.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCurrently most of the garment industries are looking machine autonomation by focusing minimize the labour handling. this will impacted to the non technical staff mainly. even though initial cost of development is high this solution will be positively impacted to the industry in future.
ReplyDeleteKasup Harischandra
MBA (Batch 28)
Please check the citation format. Normally we cite the author's last name with the year of publication, not the name of the journal.
ReplyDeleteSocial acceptance and recognition is an important element in tackling the issue of labour shortage at lower levels of the apparel sector.
ReplyDeleteYes, skilled workers are required in the garment industry for a variety of reasons. The garment business, often known as the apparel sector, is a labor-intensive industry that includes many phases of manufacturing, such as designing and pattern-making, as well as cutting, sewing, and finishing clothes. Skilled employees are crucial to the industry's quality, efficiency, and competitiveness.
ReplyDeleteorganization always tries to avoid losing the key performers. Therefore, apparel companies are providing attractive benefits to the workers. Yet, employee turnover has become a critical problem for this industry. this study empirically evaluated the relationship between work life conflict and turnover intention and the mediation role of job satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteHR is the starting point for a company's culture, as they often establish and enforce rules related to things like attendance or harassment. HR professionals also work to reduce conflict in the workplace and listen to employee issues.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your information, it is really very significant for organisations.
The problem of scarce labour in apparel industry is clear and your suggestions are sound. I think the perception of being a professional in the apparel industry could have an effect on this scarcity as well where younger generations believe it is not paying well or it is not a reputable occupation. Even the majority of Asian households are pushing their children to be doctors or engineers from the childhood for example. So, perhaps a change in the perception and a considerable increase in pay could be useful to lure more workforce into the apparel industry.
ReplyDeleteManaging direct labor force in apparel sector is a challenging task. Article gives us a clear idea on industry background and current issues with recruitment of human resources. In my opinion, apparel sector in Sri Lanka is to be further developed with the concern of human resources as it is one of main export activities in the country. This can be done with government intervention such as special allowances scheme, special loan facilities, and insurance benefits from the government as many other countries promotes such manufacturing industries.
ReplyDeletedue to the low social recognition and the bad reputation of female garment factory workers, young women are reluctant to join the industry.
ReplyDeleteAs a relatively new industry in Sri Lanka, the apparel industry has played an important role in the economy as a major income source and an avenue for creating employment opportunities, especially for women, over the last few decades. It has also created a global brand name for the country, positioning Sri Lanka’s name at a prestigious level for high quality garment products. The Sri Lankan apparel industry which operates in a highly competitive global market, mostly occupies female workers.
ReplyDelete