International Journal of Research Studies in Management
CollabWritive Special Issue
2024 Volume 12 Issue 16
Available Online: 20 December 2024
Author/s:
Yao, Congzhou
Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines (ycz5296@126.com)
Abstract:
This study investigated the relationship among workforce development, performance improvement practices and employee well-being in manufacturing firms in China that will be used as basis in developing a thriving workforce framework among employees. Specifically, it determined the workforce development in terms of soft skills and personal development, technology and digitalization and focusing on continuous improvement; assessed the performance improvement practices as to technical skills and knowledge, motivation and engagement and innovation and creativity; described the employee well-being as to mental and emotional, financial well-being and personal and professional; Tested the significant relationship between workforce development, performance improvement practices and employee well-being; and developed a thriving workforce framework for employees in manufacturing firms. This study used descriptive type of research and was participated by 400 respondents from 5 manufacturing or production firms in Haidian District, Beijing, China. It was found out that there is moderate agreement on the effectiveness of the workforce development strategies being implemented as to soft skills, continuous improvement, and technology integration. The respondents generally agreed that technical skills, innovation, and engagement are integral to performance improvement, with a slight edge given to technical skills and innovation as key drivers. Also, there is a moderate agreement that the manufacturing companies are adequately addressing employee well-being in terms of Mental and Emotional, Financial Well-being, and Personal and Professional. There are highly significant relationships that exist between workforce development, performance improvement practices and employee well-being. A proposed thriving workforce framework was developed that can be adopted by the manufacturing companies in China. The findings indicate that manufacturing firms in China should refine workforce development strategies, prioritize technical skills and innovation, adopt a holistic approach to employee well-being, and integrate workforce development, performance improvement, and well-being practices, with the proposed thriving workforce framework offering a structured path to long-term success.
Keywords: workforce development, performance improvement practices, employee well-being, manufacturing firms, thriving workforce framework
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2024.1334
Cite this article:
Yao, C. (2024). Workforce development, performance improvement practices and employee well-being in manufacturing firms in China: Basis for a thriving workforce framework. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 12(16), 227-237. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2024.1334