Reducing Attrition Rates is the Million Dollar Question For Any Organization

ME Printer speaks to Sharif Rahman, the CEO of International Expo-Consults LLC, to find out about the skillsets required to excel in the regional print industry and the ways to bridge the skillsets gap

Is there a shortage of skillsets in the regional print industry?
Shortage of skilled professionals in the printing industry isn’t limited to the Middle East region but is a globally prevalent phenomenon. In the coming decade, one of the biggest challenge in the print industry isn’t technology or shrinking market size but the reduction in skilled work force. According to a report titled– The Future of Printing in the Middle East and North Africa to 2022 –  the MENA region is set to expand from a value of $26.8 billion in 2017 at an annual rate of 8.7% to pass $40 billion in 2022.

Skillset shortage or not, there will be an increase in demand of skilled professionals in the market. Another factor is the World Expo 2020, scheduled to be held in Dubai which will create huge demand in the printing and signage market. Such demand will automatically translate to increase in skilled manpower in the region.

How can companies and their employees keep themselves updated about the latest technological innovations being introduced into the market from time to time?
For most part, innovation in printing technology is a cyclic process in the industry. The printers and presses which are dealing the end consumer on a day to day basis are monitoring the pulse of the market. Based on their feedback, the manufacturers bring about minor but impactful improvement in their machines.

It is essential for the manufacturers to educate the printers and the end consumers of the latest in printing technology and how they will impact the market. Workshops and seminars are an ideal instrument for educating those already in your network. To reach out to a wider audience, participating in shows such as SGI Dubai lets the exhibitors inform and educate their target audience.

There have been instances of employees jumping ship as soon as the training period is done. Is this a major occurrence in this region?
Such instances are known to happen in our industry. In terms of its frequency, I don’t think it happens any more than in other parts of the world. However, there are steps that can be taken to avoid such circumstances.

How can companies make sure that employees stay with the company post the training period and do not jump jobs?
For any organization, be it in printing or otherwise – how to reduce attrition rates is the million dollar question. These firms need to understand the requirement of their employees and not just motivate but also inculcate a sense of ownership of their work. Such practices will result in employees taking pride in their work and thereby reducing turnover numbers.

How can educational institutions make sure the skill gaps are addressed through their curriculum and training methods?
In an ideal world, corporate and academia needs to align their interests and collaborate to resolve the current challenges in the industry. Such collaboration would result in a steady and skilled workforce supply, and in return the academia has more funds to research and innovate technological breakthroughs. Sadly such collaborations are few and far in between.

What are the key areas of expertise that are in demand in the print industry today?
With rapidly evolving technology being an expert on one domain isn’t enough anymore. Manufacturers are coming up with new features on their machines which utilize innovative technology like AI to make the printers more responsive and self-monitoring. Like the medical profession, printing industry also needs to keep themselves up to date with the latest technology to be relevant.

SGI Dubai has been the premier show for the industry in the MENA region. In its past editions, printing and signage solutions worth over AED 250 million have been on display and use on the show floor from around the globe. SGI Dubai is the perfect platform to introduce, expose and educate Middle Eastern stakeholders about the latest innovative products from all over the world.