Survey: 43% of manufacturing workers are considering leaving their jobs within a year

March 22, 2024
The second-annual study was designed to increase understanding of frontline workers’ morale, challenges, and opportunities.

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.”

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About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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