Social sustainability challenges for european manufacturing industry: Attract, recruit and sustain

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to link social sustainability challenges to manufacturing companies, focusing on the upcoming recruitment crisis caused by demographic changes in Europe. The findings are based on literature studies that were validated and reflected upon as the study progressed. The conclusion is that diversity within the manufacturing industry has to be increased in order to expand the pool of possible employees by focusing on three main improvements: providing interesting jobs, work flexibility and an improved image of the industry.