Workforce in Focus
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- “The Loneliness of the American Worker” (WSJ): More Americans are experiencing profound loneliness exacerbated by workplace changes. Nick Skarda, 29, who juggles two jobs, exemplifies this isolation, finding little time for social interactions with colleagues. This loneliness, which affects both remote and in-person workers, is recognized as a health epidemic by the U.S. surgeon general. Data shows a rise in lonely adults from 46% in 2018 to 58% in 2023. Remote work and increased virtual meetings contribute to fewer personal connections. Studies indicate that small talk and casual interactions at work reduce stress and boost positivity, but these are harder to achieve in a virtual environment. Businesses are beginning to prioritize social connections, understanding that isolation impacts productivity and retention. Despite these efforts, facilitating genuine connections remains a challenge as workers increasingly prioritize productivity over social interaction.
- Connections at work matter. One way to strengthen connections is through employee resource groups (ERGs), also known as employee networks or affiliate groups. Check out this case study about how Stanley Black and Decker supports their veteran employees via their ERG.
- “Companies Want Fewer Grad Hires This Year” (WSJ): The National Association of Colleges and Employers surveyed 226 employers and found that they plan to hire 5.8% fewer new graduates than they did last year. The demand for sophisticated AI skills is reshaping entry-level positions, with some traditional tasks being automated. Despite steady wage growth, the competition remains intense. By April 2023, over a third of graduates had secured jobs, but this year, it’s just under a quarter. Companies are hiring fewer new graduates, and the supply of computer science majors is increasing while demand cools. AI knowledge is becoming essential, with some roles being redefined or reduced. Career advisors suggest targeted job applications and leveraging personal networks for better chances of employment.
- This is where mentorship can help. The Manufacturing Institute’s Women Make Mentorship program has trained over 1000 female mentor helping them connect to younger women in the industry and beyond by engaging with women in four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, high schools and middle schools. Learn more here!
- “Landing a Job is All About Who You Know (Again)” (WSJ): The recent surge in job applications has led to a renewed emphasis on networking for job seekers. Many companies, overwhelmed by the volume of digital applications, are turning to personal connections to vet candidates. This shift is partly driven by frustration with automated screening tools and the impersonal nature of online applications. The reliance on referrals, however, could undermine diversity efforts, as it often favors those with existing networks. Data from Greenhouse shows that referred candidates have a significantly higher chance of advancing in the hiring process. Despite these challenges, some applicants, have successfully navigated the job market by combining traditional networking with modern tools, leading to successful hires at major tech firms.
- Learn more about how the MI’s Heroes Make America program is working with veterans to help solve manufacturers’ workforce shortage here. We’ve trained and placed veterans in jobs in 48 states across 350 companies with a 90% placement rate in 2023.
- “America’s Commute to Work Is Getting Longer and Longer” (WSJ): Increasing housing costs and the rise of hybrid work have made long commutes more common and acceptable for American workers. Research from Stanford University shows a significant increase in “super commutes” (75 miles or longer) since 2020, driven by people moving farther from city centers. The trend is seen nationwide, with significant increases in cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City. This shift is facilitated by hybrid work models that reduce the frequency of long drives. Research by Gusto also shows that younger, high-earning employees are increasingly choosing to live farther from their offices, with the average commute distance rising to 27 miles. The article highlights an innovative partnership a manufacturing company entered into with Enterprise to provide ride-sharing services to their employees.
- Check out the MI’s flexibility white paper for insights on how manufacturers can offer flexibility to their workforce even in a production environment.
