(Founder and CEO of Dignify)
As the paper and packaging industries continue to evolve and change, leaders in these industries are going to have a lot to think about in 2025. Between technological advancements, changes in consumer preferences, opportunities for process optimization, and more, leaders and managers are going to have their hands full all year thinking about things they can do to bring their teams and company to the next level.
While there are a ton of external developments and drivers to pay attention to, one of the best things you can do from a position of leadership in any industry is actually to look inwards and focus on what matters the most – your people! Your people are what make your company run the way it does. With the right people in the right places, you are well on your way to achieving whatever goals you set out for yourself as an organization. Without them, the chances of achieving those goals are slim. Let’s look at some trends and recommendations for leaders in the paper and packaging industry looking to get the most out of the people they lead.
Attracting, retaining, and developing people among top industry priorities
Respondents to a recent Heidrick & Struggles survey identified attracting, retaining, and developing talent as the most important element to achieving long-term strategic goals, with two-thirds of participants listing it among their top three highest priorities. This should come as no surprise!
No matter where you are and what goals you have as a company, it’s always a good idea to invest time and resources in your people by understanding and acting on what they need from you as a leader. A satisfied employee will stick around for the long run, go the extra mile to achieve goals, and make themselves a strong asset to the teams they are a part of.
Today’s highest quality job seekers, those that will drive innovation and growth in a complex and competitive landscape, discriminate their job searches based on employer brand. They tend to round down their long lists of possible options and throw their hats in the ring for those that have the most desirable working environments and do the best at showing it.
So, what can you do to build an attractive working environment? Let’s get into it!
The impact of a strong company culture
Having a strong company culture that shows people they are valued will make a massive difference that will show in your numbers and in your people. It is more or less a pre-requisite for success and can make your company a place where people want to work at. Reputation and word-of-mouth are really important here. 86% of prospective employees will avoid opportunities at companies they know have a poor reputation, and these days, it only takes a few clicks to make that judgment, fairly or otherwise. Needless to say, building a positive employer brand will make you more likely to attract the talent that you are after to achieve your goals in the paper and packaging industry.
In building a people-first culture, you have the opportunity to make a real positive impact on the lives of your employees. Understanding their struggles, demonstrating a degree of flexibility, and knowing them for who they are will go a very long way, as your people stick around and look for any opportunity they can to create value for your organization. As a matter of fact, one study demonstrated that companies with better cultures grew their revenue 550% faster than that of their competitors over a 25 year time period. Believe it! A good culture sets you apart from the pack, and by a massive margin.
The bottom line
As leaders in the paper and packaging industries look to make a difference in 2025, the most impactful move they can make is to double down on their people. Building a strong, authentic company culture where employees are satisfied and empowered to drive real change will be critical to achieving your goals for the year and beyond. When leaders invest in understanding their teams, offering flexibility, and creating a sense of belonging, they build a foundation for success that yields comprehensive success. It’s this kind of culture that attracts the best talent and makes a company stand out in a crowded industry, setting the stage for growth and innovation that lasts.
Let’s connect
Dignify will be at GBIG’s 5P Showcase Expo on February 25 & 26. Swing by to chat about your culture needs and shaping the future of the paper and packaging industry—we’d love to learn more!
JOE KIEDINGER
joek@dignify.com | 920.435.4878 ext. 103
Quick 30-Minute Meet
