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Why It’s Time Manufacturers Embrace People-Centric Scheduling Strategies

by | Jul 27, 2023

Summary

Learning how to attract and retain talent in the manufacturing industry will crucial to the nation’s 5th largest employment sector. Understand workforce trends and actionable data from this survey on the state of the hourly employee.

Manufacturers continue to navigate a challenging economic environment, grappling with inflation and supply chain disruptions. Amid these challenges, however, there’s an opportunity to focus on the industry’s greatest asset—its workers.

Shiftboard recently published our survey, The State of the Hourly Worker, which delved into factors important to hourly workers, such as job satisfaction, retention, work schedules, the impact of the pandemic and benefits. Here are some highlights from the findings:

Work-Life Balance Remains a Priority for Hourly Workers

Nearly a quarter of the manufacturing workforce is 55 or older, indicating a looming labor shortage for the nation’s 5th-largest employment sector. That means attracting and retaining talent—especially younger talent—should be a top priority.

In fact, 75% of all workers surveyed agreed that work-life balance was necessary for job satisfaction. The desire for work-life balance even overpowered other more traditional factors, things like a good relationship with your boss (64%), a convenient location (63%), comprehensive benefits (58%) and engaging in enjoyable tasks or projects (55%). Keeping workers engaged can often hinge on something as fundamental as the work schedule.

Read more here.

SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers)

SME is a nonprofit association of professionals, educators and students committed to promoting and supporting the manufacturing industry. SME helps manufacturers innovate, grow and prosper by promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and connecting the manufacturing industry.‍

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