Across industries, the skills gap continues to grow. In the UK, 92% of manufacturing SMEs expect a shortage of critical skills, particularly at entry-level (33%) and specialist roles (38%) (bmmagazine.co.uk). At a national level, 55,000 long-term manufacturing vacancies are costing the economy £6 billion in lost output annually (makeuk.org), and by 2030, up to 20% of the workforce could be significantly under-skilled (grantthornton.co.uk).
The challenge for organisations is clear: how can productivity, quality, and safety be maintained when critical knowledge is concentrated in a few experts? The solution lies in connected workers—teams who have the right information and support at their fingertips.
Preserving Knowledge, Even When People Move On
Connected worker platforms like WorkfloPlus capture expertise in digital workflows, SOPs, checklists, and training modules. This ensures knowledge doesn’t leave with retiring employees or departing contractors. Every team member, regardless of experience level, can access step-by-step guidance, reducing errors and maintaining consistent quality across sites.
Example: A manufacturing site struggling with machine setup errors could reduce mistakes by up to 30% by implementing digital step-by-step instructions, ensuring even new hires follow the same process as experienced operators.
Accelerating Training and Onboarding
Traditional training methods are time-consuming and inconsistent. By providing real-time digital instructions, WorkfloPlus reduces the learning curve. Teams can learn by doing, guided through tasks with clear instructions, embedded media, and verification steps.
- New hires become productive faster.
- Contractors follow compliance steps without supervision.
- Teams maintain safety and quality standards automatically.
This approach not only fills immediate skill gaps but also builds a culture of continuous learning.
Collaboration Without Boundaries
Connected workers aren’t just about following instructions—they also communicate, escalate, and collaborate in real time. Teams can report issues, request clarifications, and share updates across shifts and locations, ensuring operations run smoothly even in complex environments.
The Bottom Line
Connected worker platforms transform the way knowledge is retained and shared. They don’t just mitigate the skills gap—they actively close it, ensuring organisations remain productive, safe, and competitive in a challenging talent landscape.
