In Case You Missed It
On February 20, Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of the Manufacturing Institute gave the first ever State of U.S. Manufacturing Workforce Address at Drake State in Huntsville, Alabama. Catch the replay here.
NEW REPORT FROM THE MI AND PwC: Empowered leadership, engaged teams: Build a better workplace through frontline leadership
The manufacturing workforce is undergoing a transformation, with shifting employee expectations emerging as a top challenge for industry leaders. As manufacturers strive to enhance the frontline worker experience, frontline leaders represent a largely untapped opportunity to drive engagement, productivity, and retention. However, many lack the skills needed to foster a positive workplace culture effectively.
Frontline leaders play a pivotal role in manufacturing operations, shaping daily interactions and workplace morale. While 64% of survey respondents believe that improving the employee experience reduces attrition, only 17% rate their frontline leaders as highly effective in this area—highlighting a critical development gap.
To bridge this gap, manufacturers must invest in three essential skill areas:
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Communication: While 77% of respondents rate clear communication as crucial, only 29% believe frontline leaders have advanced or expert proficiency. Enhancing communication skills—especially in daily standups, team meetings, and one-on-one interactions—can significantly improve engagement and performance.
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Emotional Intelligence: Despite its critical role in leadership, only 36% of respondents recognize EQ as essential for frontline leaders’ success. Strengthening self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution skills will enable leaders to foster trust, improve teamwork, and navigate workplace challenges effectively. Since frontline leaders engage with their teams daily, developing stronger emotional intelligence presents a compelling case for upskilling.
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Technology and Digital Literacy: With 82% of manufacturers planning major technological upgrades and 45% implementing AI within three years, frontline leaders must be equipped to manage their workforce effectively through a digital transformation. Yet, 67% of respondents anticipate resistance to change. Upskilling frontline leaders in technology adoption, change management, and digital collaboration will be vital for ensuring smooth transitions.
Read the full report here. It’s filled actionable guidance on how to equip frontline leaders with the tools they need to foster a more engaged and productive workforce.
