From Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0: How to future-proof your workforce

Industry revolutions began in the late 18th century with steam power and mechanical production. The second revolution came with electricity and mass production in the 19th century, followed by digital computing in the late 20th century.

Now, manufacturing is transitioning from Industry 4.0 to the more human-centric Industry 5.0.

What’s the difference between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0?

Industry 4.0, launched in 2011, focused on automation, efficiency, and digitalisation – the hallmarks of a smart factory. Industry 5.0 builds on that by integrating human-centric innovation, green technologies, and organisational resilience.

Officially endorsed by the European Commission in 2023, Industry 5.0 offers a framework designed to benefit industries, workers, and society.

In simple terms, the shift from 4.0 to 5.0 goes from “How can we automate this process?” to “How can we combine this technology with human intelligence to innovate responsibly and sustainably?”

With a large uptake in adoption of AI integration within the businesses we work with – especially across automation, automotive, and distribution – we’re seeing a shift in recruitment priorities.

Our clients are looking to future-proof their workforce, focussing on attracting niche expert engineers and multi-skilled engineering talent adept at adopting innovative practices.

 

Is Industry 5.0 an essential shift?

UK manufacturing is in a moment of critical change. Skills shortages, economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and sustainability goals all put pressure on organisations to transform.

Industry 5.0 provides a framework to not only modernise but to compete globally. Early adopters in the UK stand to benefit from:

  • Enhanced talent attraction and retention – leading to lowered costs
  • Improved productivity and innovation – leading to increased profitability
  • Greater resilience to future changes – leading to business longevity

The automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and robotics industries are among the key sectors set to benefit greatly from the integration of AI in manufacturing. 75% of manufacturing professionals now use AI in their work, with 93% reporting that it enhances their effectiveness.

With so many adopters of new technologies, the shift is becoming less about if and more about when.

 

Challenges for your business

While the shift to the ‘industry of the future’ promises long-term gains, there are challenges to overcome, including:

  • Nationwide talent shortages in critical areas such as robotics, AI and digital manufacturing.
  • Lack of communication and alignment between business and people strategies – slowing sustainable transformation.
  • Dated digital infrastructure may mean higher costs for the integration of new technologies. This will also make it more difficult to attract digital-native workers who expect modern systems.

How to future-proof your workforce from Industry 5.0 and beyond

By working with our expert recruitment team, we will get to know your business from the production floor to the leadership to understand and identify any skills gaps. We act as a consultancy and recruitment partner so we can advise on roles that you can expect to recruit for in the future.

 

Synergi’s top 3 tips for future-proofing your workforce in manufacturing

These are our recommendations:

1.       Upskill your existing workforce or hire talent with new skills to improve your operations.

We’re seeing increased demand for professionals who can optimise systems, work with advanced automation and robotics, manage risk and quality, communicate across teams, and lead projects using lean principles. By 2026, we predict manufacturing businesses will need skills such as:

  • Systems thinking and process optimisation
  • Advanced automation and robotics
  • Risk management and quality control
  • Cross-disciplinary communication
  • Project management and Lean Manufacturing

2.       Audit your talent strategy against your innovation goals by cross-mapping requirements from your upcoming projects with the capabilities of your existing staff.

3.       Modernise your technology to attract Gen Z engineers, support diagnostic and maintenance capabilities and improve cross-functional mobility. Newer technology can also provide the opportunity for employees to work more collaboratively.

Ensuring workforce adaptability

If you’re looking to ensure workforce adaptability, let us help you. We make sure we understand everything from the site culture to production shifts, and your future plans – so we can:

  • Recruit the right engineers quickly
  • Future-proof your job specs to align with your innovation plans
  • Improve your employer brand for improvements in retention and productivity
  • Give you access to passive talent with in-demand skillsets

Book a consultation with Synergi to map your future workforce needs