Recent data from the 2023 Manufacturing Turnover Survey, conducted by CMOR and GOWB, reveals insights into the manufacturing industry’s landscape, emphasizing workplace culture’s role in talent attraction and retention. Key findings include:

• 68.4% view manufacturing as vital for economic strength and job creation;
• 89.8% are deterred from recommending manufacturing careers due to concerns about job stability and compensation;
• Barriers like criminal backgrounds and skill gaps present opportunities for creating more inclusive workplaces; and
• Workers prioritize rewarding work, flexible hours, and clear career advancement.

The OMA’s Untapped Talent Training Series provides manufacturers with practical strategies for recruitment, retention, and advancement. Initiatives like this and WorkAdvance are crucial for empowering the manufacturing workforce and enhancing the industry’s public image, showcasing innovation, diversity, and technological advancement. 5/6/2024