🚗 Building the Automotive Worker's Pyramid - A game to understand retention layers

🧩 A game to understand retention layers, needs, and motivators across workforce levels in the automotive industry.

🎯 Objective:

To help participants visualize the factors that influence retention across different levels of automotive workforce (floor workers, supervisors, managers, vendor staff), and collaboratively build a pyramid of needs — like Maslow’s hierarchy — tailored to the automotive context.

⏱️ Duration: 45 to 60 minutes

👥 Ideal Group Size: 4–6 per team
📦 Materials: Chart paper, sticky notes, sketch pens, printed role cards, glue, timer, whistle

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🔧 Step-by-Step Facilitation: HR Workshop on Retention

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✅ Step 1: Introduction (5 mins)

• Announce the game title: "Building the Automotive Worker's Pyramid"

• Brief the objective: To create a visual pyramid that reflects what drives retention for different roles — from the factory floor to management.

• Introduce the idea: “Like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, retention also has levels. Let’s build it, together.”

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🃏 Step 2: Role Assignment (5 mins)

Give each group a set of 4 role cards:

1. Assembly Line Worker

2. Supervisor

3. Quality/Production Manager

4. Vendor Field Staff / Sales Associate

Each team member picks (or is assigned) a role and will represent that employee’s perspective throughout the activity.

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💭 Step 3: Brainstorming Needs & Motivators (10 mins)

Ask groups to:

• Use sticky notes to jot down what each role needs to stay happy, loyal, and productive

• Think of emotional, financial, physical, and growth-related needs

• Write 1 idea per sticky note (min 5 per role)

🔖 Example Needs:

• Assembly Worker → Job safety, transport, respect from supervisor

• Manager → Autonomy, career growth, KPI-linked incentives

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🧱 Step 4: Build the Pyramid (15 mins)

• Instruct teams to arrange their sticky notes from base to top (foundational to aspirational)

• Use a pyramid shape on chart paper

• Bottom layers = Non-negotiables (salary, safety, supervisor support)

• Middle layers = Motivators (recognition, upskilling, bonus)

• Top layers = Aspirations (career growth, leadership roles)

🎨 Encourage creativity – use icons, colors, and drawings

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🎤 Step 5: Team Presentations (10 mins)

Each team presents:

• Their pyramid

• Key motivators per role

• Insights on what makes employees stay

Facilitator notes findings on board under categories like common patterns, role-specific insights, and surprising motivators.

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🧠 Step 6: Debrief & Reflection (10 mins)

Facilitator to lead discussion:

• “What patterns did you notice?”

• “Which needs were universal?”

• “Where are we failing as an organization?”

• “How can HR support all levels better?”

Conclude with:
👉 Retention is not just about pay — it’s about being seen, supported, and growing.

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🏁 Bonus: Trivia Game

🎖️ Gamify it further – give awards like:

• Most Realistic Pyramid

• Most Innovative Motivator

• Best Team Presentation