How to support employee wellbeing in the print industry

Employee wellbeing is paramount for businesses of every shape and size. But it’s especially important for print businesses, who are under pressure to attract and retain talent, boost employee engagement and productivity, and save healthcare costs over the long term. We spoke with two of HP’s Global Large Format leaders, Noëlle Peutat and Olivia Kelleher, to find out how HP Latex supports those objectives.

How can print businesses do that in practice? Olivia points to the merits of HP Latex, the most environmentally certified technology¹ in large-format printing. “HP Latex produces odorless ² prints for even the most sensitive spaces and does not produce any hazardous air pollutants. Those are two enormous advantages for any print operator.”

Noëlle agrees but maintains that this isn’t a one-time fix. “What’s good for operators is good for business. When you prioritize your people, you foster a positive organizational culture and sense of belonging and naturally this helps you build a better company. However, making sure the workplace stays that way requires constant work and attention.”

HP provides this continuous training that Noëlle refers to through HP PrintOS Learn. The self-service platform enables print operators to learn at their own pace—anytime, anywhere. With the latest training and knowledge available on the app, it’s easy for print businesses to stay up to date with evolving workplace demands.

Linked to that is the print industry’s glaring recruitment challenge. According to a recent industry survey, PSPs indicated that, on average, they were unable to fill 36% of their open positions for more than a year. In Noëlle’s view, providing a comfortable working environment can help tackle this challenge.

“The two Rs top of mind for every print business are ‘recruitment’ and ‘retention’. This is undoubtedly a complex issue, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But one thing is certain—a focus on employee experience, and protecting employees at work, can only be a good thing.”

HP is committed to supporting employee wellbeing. Using HP Latex has tangible benefits for operators and shows employees and customers alike that sustainability is a top priority for your print business.

Footnotes

1- Applicable to HP Latex technology compared to competitive large-format printing alternatives using solvent and UV technologies. Not all certifications are applicable for all generations of HP Latex Inks. See individual product data sheets for more information at hp.com/go/latex.
2- Applicable to HP Latex inks. Based on sensory evaluations conducted by Odournet done according to VDI Guideline 3882 where 832 and 873 inks were characterized as “weak” in odor intensity and “neutral” for hedonic tone. There is a broad set of media with very different odor profiles. Some of the media can affect the odor performance of the final print.
3- HP Latex Inks were tested for Hazardous Air Pollutants, as defined in the Clean Air Act, per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 311 (testing conducted in 2013) and none were detected.
4- HP Learn’s free training content is available free of charge for all HP printers compatible with HP PrintOS. HP Learn Premium content is available with the Plus plan only. Require an HP PrintOS account, Internet connection, and connected Internet-capable device. For more information, see http://www.printos.com.
5- https://printcommunications.org/recruitment-retention-and-pathways-to-employment-in-the-printing-industry-overview-the-reality-and-the-response/