Using digitalization to combat the shortage of skilled workers

Skilled Crafts 4.0: The shortage of skilled workers is one of the most prevalent issues in the skilled trades. Companies can address this with targeted digitalization.

This article is part of the special topic Digital Crafts

The acute Skills shortage More and more craft businesses in Germany are feeling the effects. According to Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) There are currently around 250.000 jobs and over 20.000 training positions unfilledTherefore, companies must develop new strategies to create more efficient processes and at the same time to meet personnel needs. Targeted digitalization of your own business offers the opportunity to achieve both simultaneously.

Digitalization increases efficiency

By a consistent digitalization of their own business, craftsmen benefit from many advantages: Thanks to automation and artificial intelligence, business processes, for example, run much faster, so that employees need less time for routine tasks. This not only increases employee satisfaction – it also means fewer specialists are needed to complete the same workload with consistent quality. At the same time, own company more interesting for applicants: Because if employees have the opportunity digital solutions and to train in new technologies, skilled workers and trainees often rate a company as a particularly attractive employer. Therefore, HR managers should score points in job advertisements and interviewsthat digital solutions are used in everyday life to build important future skills and at the same time relieve the burden on employees.

More service for customers

And there's more. Craftsmen secure the future of their own business with digitalisation measures: On the one hand, customers noticeably enjoy improved services, such as 24/7 online appointment booking systems, chatbots to answer questions, remote monitoring of technical devices and faster order processes through automated processes – from the first offer to invoicingOn the other hand, a high degree of automation gives employees more time for their actual tasks: Constantly ringing telephones or multiple emails for appointment arrangements and customer queries are eliminated, as are recurring routine tasks in the office areaPiles of paper and notes, searching for files, and lost or forgotten information are also a thing of the past. This not only increases employee satisfaction but also strengthens loyalty to the company.

Photo: © DHB

You might also be interested in:

Operations management

"Accounting belongs in the business"

Operations management

Get started with AI inside

Operations management

Direct interface to Datev in ToolTime

Avoid media breaks 

If company managers consciously create an attractive working environment for employees in this way and perhaps even offer additional special benefits, the next step is to make the region's skilled workers aware of these advantages. Digital tools can also be used to reach skilled workers and trainees: Younger people can be reached via social media, YouTube or Twitch, reach technology-savvy generationswho are enthusiastic about a digital environment. To avoid media disruption, company managers should not insist on printed application documents by mail, but rather offer as simple, fully digital application processes as possible.

According to the Central Association of German Skilled Crafts (ZDH), there are currently around 250.000 vacancies and over 20.000 training positions unfilled.

Within the gradual digitalization of your own business An experienced companion is recommended who can accompany you from the beginning provides adviceValuable expert knowledge is available from, for example, chambers of crafts, central trade associations, the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Handwerk (SME Digital Centre for Crafts) or the nationwide network of "Commissioners for Innovation and Technology" (BIT). Initial insights into the degree of digitalization of one's own company are also available from free needs analysis from "SME Digital/Crafts Center"

CHECKLIST

THROUGH DIGITALIZATION TO GREATER EFFICIENCY AND EMPLOYER ATTRACTIVENESS

1. Analysis: Examine your operational processes and identify areas that can be optimized through digitalization. Assess the current state of technology in your company. If necessary, seek out an experienced expert to advise you.

2. Strategy development: Define clear goals for digitalization. Do you want to achieve efficiency improvements, cost reductions, employee relief, or better customer service? Create a timeline for implementation.

3. Technology selection: Research suitable digital solutions that fit your goals—for example, chatbots, online appointment booking systems, accounting software, CRM systems, or project management tools. Also consider cloud solutions for maximum flexibility and future scalability.

4. Funding opportunities: Find out about government funding programs for digitalization. Take advantage of suitable financial support options, such as continuing education and investment opportunities.

5. Training: Continuously raise awareness among your team about the benefits of digitalization and train them in the use of new technologies.

6. Implementation: Implement your digitalization measures in several steps so that each employee has enough time to internalize the new processes and develop their own routines.

7. Remote work: Consider remote work models for certain roles to alleviate skills shortages and offer employees more flexible working options.

8. Application: When recruiting, use channels that are popular with tech-savvy people, such as social media or YouTube. When recruiting skilled workers and trainees, promote your company's exceptional level of digitalization and the associated benefits for employees.

9. Networks: Exchange ideas with other craft businesses. Visit platforms and associations for best-practice examples.

DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!