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Bayside Solutions

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What Do Manufacturing Workers Really Want?

Posted November 17th, 2016

Businesses are always looking for insights regarding what their employees really want. However, many of these studies either examine working professionals as a whole without regard to their industry or disproportionately represent white collar positions. The priorities of those working in the manufacturing field do not always coincide with jobs in other areas.

Here, we explore the priorities of those who help ensure people have the quality products they need by participating in the manufacturing and production fields.

Compensation Packages

Most wouldn’t be surprised to learn that production workers consider pay and benefits critical to overall job satisfaction. Many employees pursue opporrrtunities in these environments because of the opportunity to earn a relatively high amount of pay in comparison to those that require additional education or training.

Health insurance and retirement are commonly sought after by those working in the manufacturing industry, while access to other benefits, like paid time off, can sweeten the pot. Regardless of other positives associated with the workplace, failing to maintain competitive compensation packages often lead employees to look for other options.

Job Security

While this benefit is more intrinsic, as most companies cannot guarantee longevity, feeling secure in one’s position has significant impacts on job satisfaction. Employees who feel constantly threatened by firings and layoffs will often look elsewhere for employment. A sense of stability promotes better performances, and loyalty offered by businesses to employees is often returned in kind.

Overall Enjoyment

Many workers spend more time in the workplace than their own homes. That means finding enjoyment in the work is vital to job satisfaction. However, employees don’t necessarily need the work to be easy to be fulfilling. In fact, some prefer the feeling of putting in a hard day’s work over coasting through their shift.

Working with a good supervisor also impacts the enjoyment of the position. Having clear expectations and proper support from those above them in the company structure can help maintain a feeling of ease by lowering stress associated with the management chain. Couple that with positive coworker relationships and you have even more working in your favor.

Growth and Advancement

Keeping employees engaged on the job, which improves overall job satisfaction, often includes providing opportunities for growth and advancement. This can include educational and training options, as well as a clear path to move up through ranks. The ability to move forward in one’s career is enticing, as it provides a way to earn higher wages and access additional benefits options more easily.

Preferred Shifts

A point often neglecting in larger employee surveys is the impact of shift preferences and job satisfaction. While not every employee can have their preferred shift, having options to move into a more desired schedule over time can give employees a goal for which to strive. Having clear policies regarding how work hours are selected can prevent it from seeming like a corporate secret, and lets employees know which standards are in place.

If you are ready to begin or advance your manufacturing career, the professional staff at Bayside Solutions can help you find new opportunities to explore. Contact Bayside Solutions Today!

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