11-04-2025
Driving Change With Diversity
For manufacturers, embracing diversity can unlock new levels of innovation, productivity, and profitability.
Historically, manufacturing has lacked inclusivity, and even today, it lags behind other industries in adopting a more diverse workforce. This slow transition is not just a missed moral opportunity but also a missed business opportunity.
The numbers tell a stark story. According to our recent benchmarking reports at Harbour Results, women, for example, make up just 10% of management roles in tooling and 22% in production. Their overall representation in the manufacturing workforce is similarly low, with only 8% in tooling and 21% in production.
For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) workers, the situation is equally concerning. BIPOC individuals are nearly absent from management positions in both tooling and production, and their representation in the workforce stands at just 5% in tooling and 28% in production.
These statistics highlight the significant gap that manufacturers must close to build truly representative workplaces. The good news? Diverse workplaces offer substantial benefits—not just to employees but to the companies themselves.
Diversity in the workplace is more than just a box to check; it's a strategic advantage. Here are three key reasons why workforce diversity is essential for manufacturers:
Creating a diverse workforce doesn't happen overnight. It requires intentional effort and a commitment to change. Here are some steps manufacturers can take to foster diversity:
Workforce diversity isn't just a moral imperative; it's a business necessity. For manufacturers, embracing diversity can unlock new levels of innovation, productivity, and profitability. By taking intentional steps to diversify their teams, manufacturers can not only strengthen their organizations but also contribute to a more equitable and inclusive industry. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards for businesses and society are well worth the effort.
