Why are so many manufacturing companies struggling with recruiting, employee engagement, and workforce retention, even while hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs remain open across North America? Let’s find out together with Manufacturing Greatness’s new research project!

On the Manufacturing Greatness podcast with Trevor Blondeel, we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits.

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Through my work with Manufacturing Greatness, I regularly hear different explanations for why manufacturing organizations are struggling to recruit and retain great people. Some believe the issue is simply a labor shortage. Others suggest younger generations are not interested in manufacturing careers, or that people just do not want to work anymore.

But in manufacturing leadership and operations management, assumptions rarely lead to better outcomes.

The real question is: what is actually driving recruiting challenges, employee engagement issues, and workforce retention problems in modern manufacturing organizations?

Instead of relying on opinions, we want to gather real data.

Manufacturing Greatness is launching a major research project on the state of the manufacturing workforce across North America. For this initiative, we are partnering with Crossover Solutions and the Center for Generational Kinetics to survey 1,250 people across Canada and the United States.

This research will focus on individuals who currently work in manufacturing or closely related industries such as logistics, construction, and industrial operations.

Our goal is to better understand how leadership, workplace culture, and career development influence manufacturing workforce retention, employee engagement, and long-term operational performance.

The Questions Manufacturing Leaders Need Answered

Across the industry, many organizations are facing similar challenges: open roles, rising turnover, and difficulty attracting new talent into manufacturing careers.

These workforce challenges directly affect manufacturing productivity, production efficiency, and operational stability.

Through this research project, we want to explore important questions such as:

• Why are fewer people applying to manufacturing jobs even when there are hundreds of thousands of open roles?
• What role does manufacturing leadership and workplace culture play in recruiting and retaining team members?
• Are manufacturing companies investing enough in leadership development, career pathways, and employee engagement?
• How do teamwork, communication, and frontline leadership influence long-term workforce retention?

These questions are critical for organizations trying to strengthen their operations and build more resilient manufacturing teams.

To explore these issues, we are building a survey with approximately 25 key questions focused on topics such as:

• Recruiting and hiring practices
• Workforce retention and employee engagement
• Team communication and collaboration
• Leadership development for supervisors and frontline leaders
• Career development and growth opportunities

The goal is to better understand what employees across manufacturing and adjacent industries are experiencing in their workplaces today.

Why This Research Matters for Manufacturing Leaders

Manufacturing organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Technology is evolving, supply chains are shifting, and workforce expectations are changing as millennial and Gen Z employees enter the industry.

For organizations to maintain manufacturing productivity, production efficiency, and operational excellence, strong leadership and effective workforce development are essential.

But meaningful improvement requires clear insight into what is actually happening inside manufacturing organizations.

By gathering large-scale data from employees across North America, this research project aims to provide actionable insights into:

• What attracts people to manufacturing careers
• What causes employees to leave manufacturing organizations
• What leadership behaviors strengthen employee engagement
• How manufacturing companies can improve recruiting and retention

Ultimately, this research is about helping leaders build stronger teams, more resilient operations, and healthier workplace cultures.

Your Input Can Help Shape the Survey

As we finalize the survey questions, I would love your input.

What is one question you believe should be included in this research project?

What questions do you have about improving employee engagement, leadership development, and workforce retention in manufacturing?

Your perspective can help ensure this research addresses the real challenges facing manufacturing organizations today.

To share your thoughts, email Trevor@manufacturinggreatness.com.