Epicor has released the results of its latest study, "Voice of the Essential Manufacturing Worker." To obtain this data, Epicor worked with Frontlines Media to survey 600 individuals across eleven manufacturing sub-industries. The second-annual study was designed to increase understanding of frontline workers’ morale, challenges, and opportunities. The results were eye opening, with more than 50% of factory and plant workers confessing that they would take a pay cut to go work for a more technology-driven factory. In addition, 43% of respondents are considering leaving their current positions for better benefits, which include more paid time off, flexible work schedules, and employers who listen to staff. Key takeaways from the study include:
- Workplace morale is decreasing, with only 45% of workers admitting to high morale, down from 52% last year
- Worker are less worries about their jobs being replaced by automation, a fear that dropped from 64% to 52%
- 49% of manufacturers are investing in new technologies, with Big Data, 3D printing, robotics/artificial intelligence, and augmented reality topping the list
In a recent quote, Kerrie Jordan, Group Vice President, Product Management at Epicor, said, “We continue to see manufacturing workers stating their clear preferences for technology-driven, sustainable work environments. These results can help manufacturing leadership better understand their teams, and harness technological change to spur growth and create the manufacturing workforce of the future.”