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Talent issues — not technology — make up half of manufacturers’ top challenges (Manufacturing Dive)

What’s going on: “Despite increases in revenue and employee productivity, U.S. manufacturers are reporting recruitment and retention challenges heading into the final quarter of 2024, according to an Oct. 3 report from UKG.”

There have been year-over-year improvements, but most manufacturers have said they’re still struggling to fill labor gaps, according to a report from the UKG Workforce Institute. HR professionals said they’re working to diversify recruitment, strengthen the employee experience among front-line workers and train front-line managers.

From the MI: MI initiatives like Heroes MAKE America offer employers access to new talent pools to hire from. Additionally, our research with leading consulting firms can also help HR teams tackle talent issues, such as our survey with PWC about improving the frontline employee experience.

A Decade After ‘Lean In,’ Progress for Women Isn’t Trickling Down
(WSJ)

What’s going on: A decade after Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In,” progress for women in the workplace remains slow. While more women are in leadership roles, systemic barriers persist. The article highlights that many women still face challenges like bias, inadequate support, and workplace cultures that don’t fully embrace equity. The call to action is for companies to commit to meaningful change rather than just symbolic gestures.

From the MI: The MI’s Women MAKE America initiative is working to empower women through recognition, research and leadership, encouraging them to engage their skills in modern manufacturing and supporting their efforts to pay it forward and mentor the next generation.