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It Has Never Been Harder, or More Essential, to Have a Work Best Friend (WSJ)
Why it matters: The value of work best friends is undeniable.
- They boost employee engagement and productivity.
- However, the hybrid work model has made it harder to form these bonds.
- A Gallup survey revealed a decrease in the number of work best friends among hybrid workers.
- This has negatively affected employee morale, particularly among young people.
- Fostering friendships at work is challenging for corporate leaders. But in the isolated and confusing modern workplace, genuine connections forged through virtual platforms can be a powerful remedy.
Manufacturing Institute Solution: The Manufacturing Institute is actively recruiting mentors and mentees for the 2025 Women MAKE Mentorship Program.
- This is an opportunity for women in the manufacturing industry to form a relationship that can provide professional guidance on how to navigate challenges and career advancement.
- Those who sign-up have a choice to become a mentor or a mentee and will be matched with another woman in the manufacturing industry.
- This program is free and open to women in all roles in the manufacturing industry.
- Recruitment period ends on August 31st.
Please visit the Women MAKE Mentorship page to learn more about what the program entails, key dates, and sign-up form to join.
See how manufacturers are incorporating workplace flexibility while reducing operating costs in the Manufacturing Institue’s Flexibility Whitepaper.
Why Skilled Trades Workers Report High Job Satisfaction
(Forbes)
The bottom line: With rising college costs and labor shortages, many are considering trade careers.
- Angie Hicks, cofounder of Angi, believes in the potential of trades due to their fast entry into the workforce and financial advantages.
- Trades offer well-paying jobs, growth opportunities, and the chance to work in a field aligned with interests.
- A recent study by Angi highlights the job satisfaction of skilled trades workers and their perception of AI-resistant career paths.
- The trades industry faces a labor shortage, leading employers to increase benefits to attract workers.
Why it matters: Trade careers provide alternatives to expensive degrees and offer job satisfaction, autonomy, decreased debt, higher earning potential, and job security.
- Younger people are optimistic about entering the trades but face stigmas and lack of exposure.
- Investment in trade prep programs and trade schools, as well as initiatives like the MI’s FAME program, aim to attract more talent to the trades and ensure a strong future.
