The roar of machines, the pulse of production lines, the unrelenting pace of output—this is the daily grind for millions of frontline workers in manufacturing. Often seen but rarely heard, these workers are the backbone of an industry that powers economies and sustains supply chains. Yet, despite their critical role, they’ve long been left on the periphery of company culture, isolated from the conversations about employee engagement that shape corporate offices. It’s time for that to change.
In an industry where turnover is high–where according to The Manufacturer, on average, 86% of workers across all sectors are open to the possibility of a new job, rising to a staggering 90% in manufacturing–morale is low, and communication tools rarely reach those on the shop floor, the manufacturing sector faces a stark reality: to survive and thrive in the future, leaders must rethink the way they engage their frontline workforce. This is not just about improving productivity or reducing costs—though both will benefit. It’s about giving a voice to the people whose labor keeps the wheels of industry turning, acknowledging their struggles, and, most importantly, making them feel valued in a system that often treats them as invisible.
Employee engagement in manufacturing is nothing short of a lifeline for businesses. According to our research for The State of Employee Engagement 2024/25, employee engagement has risen to the second-highest HR priority, underscoring just how vital it is. If companies want to stay competitive in an increasingly complex and demanding world, they need to reimagine how they connect with the very people driving their success.
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Listening: The First Step Toward Change
For too long, frontline workers have been overlooked when it comes to feedback and engagement strategies. Stuck in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, many of them are left out of the conversations that could improve their working conditions and overall job satisfaction. But when companies listen—really listen—the results can be transformative.
Employee surveys have emerged as one of the most powerful tools for manufacturers to tap into the pulse of their workforce. In fact, a Salesforce study has shown that employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform at their best. These surveys, when thoughtfully designed and regularly deployed, can shine a light on issues like burnout, dissatisfaction, and safety concerns. They can also reveal where a company’s culture is succeeding and where it’s falling short. But it’s not just about gathering data—what matters is acting on it. When leadership listens and responds to feedback, frontline workers start to believe that their voices matter, and that’s when real engagement begins.
The High Stakes of Engagement
The stakes for manufacturers are high. Employee disengagement is more than a morale killer—it’s a financial drain. In a world where U.S. businesses lose roughly $1 trillion annually due to voluntary turnover, the cost of ignoring employee engagement is steep. But for companies that get it right, the rewards go far beyond improved retention.
Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and loyal. They’re less likely to cut corners, meaning safety improves, and they’re more invested in the success of the company as a whole. In an industry where margins can be razor-thin, the difference between engaged and disengaged employees could be the difference between thriving and barely surviving.
And then there’s the human cost. High turnover erodes workplace culture in 63% of UK businesses, making it harder for employees to build meaningful relationships or feel a sense of belonging. It’s a vicious cycle: when workers see their peers leaving, it’s harder to stay invested. Breaking that cycle starts with building a culture that values people—not just for what they produce but for who they are.
Rethinking Communication for the Frontline
Most engagement strategies fail frontline workers for one simple reason: they’re not designed with them in mind. When your workforce doesn’t sit behind a desk and rarely checks email, how do you connect with them? The answer lies in creating communication channels that meet employees where they are—literally.
Mobile-friendly platforms are a game-changer. They allow frontline workers to access surveys, provide feedback, and stay in the loop, even without traditional office tools. Solutions like WorkBuzz’s ‘kiosk’ mode, which lets workers complete surveys from their phones or shared devices at work, are already proving successful. But technology alone isn’t enough. Manufacturers must also rethink the what, when, and how of their communications.
Who are your frontline workers? What do they care about? And how can you make communication fit into their day-to-day reality? Understanding these nuances is key to creating a dialogue, not a monologue. When workers can see their feedback leading to real, tangible changes, trust builds, and engagement deepens.
A New Future for Manufacturing
Manufacturing is evolving, but the future depends on more than just cutting-edge machines and lean production methods. It hinges on people—on creating environments where workers feel valued, heard, and invested in the company’s success. For frontline employees, engagement isn’t just about higher wages or better benefits. It’s about being part of something bigger than themselves, about feeling that their work has a purpose, and about knowing that they are more than just another cog in the machine.
As manufacturers grapple with the challenges of the 21st century, from a competitive job market to the pressures of sustainability and innovation, one thing is clear: frontline workers hold the key to the industry's future. Engaging them isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smartest business move a company can make. For further insights on attracting and retaining top talent in your manufacturing organization, download our eBook, Making Manufacturing an Employee Destination Industry.