Nearly half of manufacturing employees plan to leave their jobs, survey finds

With a combination of Brexit, the pandemic, labour shortages, and skills gaps bringing disruption to the UK&I manufacturing sector, organisations are having to focus on attracting talent, retaining existing employees and safeguarding against poor motivation. Zellis’ research shows that pay and benefits make up the most significant motivational factor, with 46 per cent of respondents stating an increased salary or bonus would provide much-needed motivation. 

Training and development opportunities are also seen as key motivating factors, with 31 per cent of respondents citing it as a key factor in feeling positive and motivated by their work. Despite 71 per cent of respondents viewing training and development as important to them in their work life, 35 per cent of respondents felt they weren’t getting the quality of training and development that they expect.  

Beyond engagement, these concerns are having an impact on retention, with 28 per cent of employees saying they would leave their current employer sooner because of poor training and skills development. A lack of recognition or appreciation would prompt such a move in 31 per cent, while 43 per cent would move to a different company to escape inadequate pay and benefits. Just over half (51 per cent) would stay in their current role for longer if offered increased salary or bonus.