The manufacturing industry is suffering from an image crisis, with Gen Z typically associating factory work as being dangerous, boring and inflexible. Because of this, the vast majority of factory workers are older, with many approaching retirement age, and this poses an unacceptable risk to the industry that anticipates needing 4 million skilled workers in place by 2033.
What Gen Z wants from employment
Gen Z values flexibility, inclusivity and purpose in their roles, with many opting for positions with ethical or forward-looking organisations over a higher salary.
What manufacturing can do to attract Gen Z
Many manufacturing companies such as https://www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/euromac-bending-machines/horizontal-bending-machines, pride themselves on offering tech-forward roles with excellent career progression opportunities and by promoting workplace initiatives aimed at improving employee mental health and wellbeing, businesses such as these stand a good chance of attracting high calibre candidates.
Manufacturers using Euromac bending machines can further enhance their offering by showcasing their commitment to energy efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable manufacturing practices, as these machines are safer for operators and require less maintenance, as well as reducing waste in the manufacturing cycle.
While manufacturing cannot escape the fact that work will be on-site and working specific shift patterns to align with product demand, they can compensate for this with attractive salaries and career progression opportunities. Offering candidates the opportunity to upskill in areas such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, autonomous robotics and IoT connectivity also makes the roles more attractive to the younger generation.
Targeted investment in appropriate areas is vital to reverse Gen Z attitudes towards factory work.