Thriving in Economic Uncertainty

Hey everyone, welcome back to Injury Prevention Playbook, the podcast where we break down the best strategies to keep your workforce safe, productive, and profitable. I’m your host, Kris Smith, and today, we’re tackling a topic that’s on everyone’s mind: economic uncertainty. 

There’s no denying it—2025 has brought some real challenges to the manufacturing, logistics, and industrial sectors. Inflation, rising labor costs, supply chain disruptions—you name it. And when times get tough, companies start looking for ways to cut costs. 

But here’s the million-dollar question: Are you cutting costs or cutting corners? 

At GSC On-Site Services, we believe that the best way to save money isn’t by reducing resources—it’s by optimizing them. And today, we’re going to show you exactly how we help plant managers like you do more with less, all while improving safety, productivity, and retention. 

Let’s get into it. 

The Reality of Today’s Economy 

 
Let’s talk about the current landscape. 

• Companies across industries are dealing with budget constraints and increased pressure to justify expenses. 

• Hiring is getting more expensive, yet turnover remains high. 

• Safety incidents and injuries as well as STD/LTD cases? They’re costly, both in direct medical expenses and lost productivity. 

So, how do you manage all of this without sacrificing quality, efficiency, or the well-being of your workforce? 

Simple: You invest in the right solution—a solution that prevent problems before they start. 

And that’s exactly what we do at GSC On-Site Services. 

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When companies face financial pressure, we often see a reactionary approach—cutting staff, reducing safety expenditures, and postponing important workforce initiatives. But that’s a costly mistake. 

Here’s why: 

• Hiring & Retention: 
  We helped one company cut new hire costs in half—from 1,201 to 600—simply by improving retention. Fewer hires mean less time and money spent training replacements and a more experienced workforce that drives higher productivity. 

• Cost Savings: 
  At one of our IPS sites, the average cost to hire a new employee was $7,500. With our support, they reduced that to $4,100—a 54% savings per hire. This was achieved by eliminating their staffing service, which had been driving up turnover with poor hiring and onboarding processes. Now, imagine that savings applied across your entire workforce—the impact speaks for itself. 

• Injury Reduction: 
  After implementing our Injury Prevention Program, new hire injury rates dropped by 57%. That means fewer claims, fewer DART days, and lower costs. Safety incidents, recordables, workers' comp claims, and STD/LTD cases all saw a significant decline. A win-win for safety and the bottom line! 

• Productivity Gains: 
  After just one quarter, plants using our program saw a 26% increase in productivity and an 86% improvement in workforce flexibility, directly related to fatigue. 

• Long-Term Stability: 
  DART days—one of the biggest OSHA-reportable costs—were down 62% after one year of using our program. 

At the end of the day, cutting corners on safety and workforce optimization leads to higher costs in the long run. Smart leaders invest in solutions that improve efficiency while reducing risk. 

Why GSC Is the Right Choice Right Now 

So, let’s recap: 

We know times are tough. We know every dollar has to work harder than ever. But that’s exactly why now is the time to invest in a program that saves you money, reduces risk, and improves productivity. 

With GSC On-Site Services, you get: 

• A trusted partner that works alongside your team to improve safety, retention, and performance. 

• A proven system that delivers tangible results—that brings one solution to HR, EHS, and Operations. 

• A smarter way to navigate uncertain times without sacrificing long-term success. 

We aren’t just another safety add on—we’re a strategic advantage that keeps your plant moving forward, no matter what the economy throws your way. 

So, my question to you is this: Are you ready to take control of your workforce strategy? 

 
If this conversation resonated with you, let’s talk. 

We offer a 15-minute strategy session to walk you through exactly how our program can work at your site. No fluff, no sales pitch—just data-driven solutions that get real results. 

Click the link in the show notes to book a time that works for you. 

And if you found this episode valuable, make sure to follow along wiht Injury Prevention Playbook through gscosnite.com for more insights on injury prevention strategies that actually work. 

Until next time, stay safe, stay productive, and remember—the best way to cut costs is to prevent problems before they start. 

Thanks for listening!