The manufacturing industry faces a talent shortage, and it will take a multifaceted approach to address the issue. The industry was already struggling to find workers before the COVID-19 pandemic made it worse. As the marketplace adjusts, finding workers and retaining talent will come down to a series of factors, including job safety and a focus on employee health and wellness.
The pandemic caused workers to rethink their lifestyle, and many voluntarily left their jobs. At the same time, many manufacturers shut down during the height of the pandemic, causing millions of workers to lose their jobs. Today, as the pandemic evolves, manufacturers are working through backlogs or trying to meet and maintain elevated levels of demand for their products. This demand is putting pressure on an labor market that was already tight.