Conference Day Two
Wednesday, October 1
9:00 am Registration & Breakfast
9:30 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Designing Practical Inclusion Strategies That Build Belonging Across the Plant Floor
9:40 am Discover: Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation & Inclusion in a Plant-Based Workforce Through Targeted Workshops
Synopsis
- Explore strategies to design and implement impactful inclusion training initiatives specifically for the manufacturing environment, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within plant operations
- Gain practical insights into engaging and educating your hourly workforce on the value of diverse perspectives, providing them with the tools and understanding needed to contribute to a more respectful and inclusive workplace
- Learn how Owens Corning developed and successfully rolled out their “Appreciating Differences” workshop across their manufacturing sites, understanding its interactive delivery methods designed for plant-based employees, and the positive impact it has had on their workforce and overall workplace dynamics
10:00 am Discover: How HR Can Lead Workplace Safety Initiatives to Build Inclusive Cultures That Drive Retention & Compliance
Synopsis
- Explore how HR leaders in manufacturing can champion safety programs that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion to create workplaces where every employee feels respected, protected, and empowered
- Learn how to incorporate DEI considerations into safety protocols and personal protective equipment specifically tailored to diverse manufacturing teams, ensuring all workers’ unique needs are met
- Understand the strategic role HR plays in collaborating with EHS and operations to connect safety initiatives with regulatory compliance, workforce engagement, and the broader manufacturing culture by drawing on best practices from organizations like ASSP
10:20 am Develop: How Can Manufacturers Design Inclusion Training That Resonates on the Plant Floor?
Synopsis
- What are the key elements of an inclusion and safety-focused training program specifically designed for frontline and plant-based manufacturing employees?
- How can manufacturers ensure DEI content and safety protocols are accessible, relevant, and have a meaningful impact in hands-on, non-office environments?
- What practical strategies can create interactive, engaging learning experiences that strengthen respect, protection, and a sense of belonging across diverse teams?
10:40 am Action: How Can You Embed Inclusion into Daily Operations to Strengthen Culture and Retain Talent?
Synopsis
- What actions can you take to build inclusive practices into daily workflows and team interactions, beyond traditional training sessions?
- How can you equip supervisors and frontline leaders to reinforce inclusion and appreciation as part of their everyday leadership behaviors?
- What tools, workshops, or communication practices can you introduce to promote belonging, reduce conflict, and foster a more collaborative plant environment?
Output Focused Action Session Facilitated by the Chair
11:00 am Networking Break
Elevating ERGs as Strategic Drivers of Mental Health, Belonging & Workforce Resilience
11:30 am Discover: Embedding Mental Health into the Employee Experience to Build Trust, Resilience & Cultural Stability During Disruption
Synopsis
- Learn how RS Americas tackled the stigma around mental health by equipping leaders with tools and training to proactively support wellbeing across al levels of the organization
- Explore how the company’s Mental Health Employee Resource Group (LifeWorks) played a crucial role in driving awareness, peer support, and engagement around mental health topics
- Discover how making wellbeing a business priority, not just a benefit, helped foster transparency, strengthen culture, and build a more resilient, connected workforce in a rapidly evolving environment
11:50 am Discover: Empowering ERGs in Manufacturing by Leaning on Intersectionality & Fostering Belonging to Improve Retention & Employee Engagement
Synopsis
- Learn how aligning ERG efforts with broader business objectives has driven measurable improvements in employee retention, belonging, and engagement across a diverse manufacturing workforce.
- Explore how an intentional focus on intersectionality has reshaped ERG dynamics, fostering cross-functional collaboration and amplifying their influence on culture, strategy, and inclusion initiatives.
- Discover how consistent support and creative engagement have helped transform Graphic Packaging’s ERGs from isolated groups into thriving communities that drive purpose, connection, and long-term impact on the plant floor and beyond.
12:10 pm Develop: How Can Manufacturers Leverage ERGs to Operationalize Mental Health and Strengthen Culture?
Synopsis
- What strategies can manufacturers use to position ERGs as essential partners in promoting mental wellbeing, belonging, and engagement across all employee levels?
- How can intersectional ERG structures enable peer-led support, normalize conversations around mental health, and extend cultural consistency to the plant floor?
- What lessons can be drawn from embedding ERGs into broader cultural and business strategies to navigate disruption, foster connection, and build long-term resilience?
12:30 pm Action: How Can You Empower ERGs to Champion Mental Health and Inclusion as Core Culture Pillars?
Synopsis
- What practical steps can you take to equip ERG leaders and allies to facilitate psychologically safe spaces and peer support across diverse employee populations?
- How can you align ERG goals with business priorities to drive measurable impact on retention, wellbeing, and employee engagement?
- What are effective ways to scale ERG initiatives, amplify intersectionality, and ensure mental health and belonging are seen as business-critical rather than peripheral?
Output Focused Action Session Facilitated by the Chair
12:50 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Speed Learning:
Synopsis
In this quick-fire session, each table will be hosted by an HR leader who will share the secrets of their most high-impact leap; you then get the opportunity to question the host before moving on to your next table.
Table 1: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of I-9 Compliance & ICE Enforcement in Manufacturing
Eileen Kunaschk
Director, Human Resources
Birchwood Foods
Table 2: Transforming Culture Through Strategic Talent Development
Anna Fain
Senior Vice President, Leadership Development & DEI
Novanta