Your 2027 production and growth plans depend on having the workforce capacity to execute them. But workforce planning gaps can lead to hiring delays, staffing shortages, increased overtime, and higher staffing costs.

In the Q4 edition of Talent Trends Quarterly, AS Talent Advisors provides a practical Workforce Planning Readiness Audit to help manufacturing leaders assess five areas of their workforce strategy: production alignment, workforce capacity forecasting, recruiting strategy and budget, retention and engagement planning, and workforce metrics and accountability.

The newsletter also connects turnover directly to future hiring demand. For example, a 200-person plant with 25% turnover would require approximately 50 replacement hires before adding a single growth position. Reducing turnover to 20% could eliminate approximately 10 of those expected replacement hires.

Complete the audit to identify where your workforce plan is strong, where risks may exist, and which areas deserve attention before your 2027 plans are finalized.