The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 1,747,100 food manufacturing jobs in September 2024. The sector’s unemployment rate was 4.2%.
Workforce resilience in food manufacturing will be a top priority in 2025. Many food manufacturing firms will continue struggling to find qualified candidates because of the ongoing labor shortage. As a result, talent retention will be essential.
Creating a positive, safety-focused workplace culture will support food manufacturing talent attraction and retention. Partnering with a specialized recruitment firm can help food manufacturers find and keep skilled professionals.
Food Manufacturing Labor Shortage
The food manufacturing industry is struggling to source and retain qualified talent. According to LinkedIn polls that Food Industry Executive conducted from July to September 2024:
- 47% of respondents said their biggest challenge was a lack of qualified candidates.
- 24% reported compensation demands as their main concern.
- 40% of respondents stated the labor shortage led to increased overtime.
- 36% reported reduced production capacity due to the labor shortage.
- 36% of respondents found online job boards to be the most effective recruiting method.
- 27% found employee referrals to be most effective for recruitment.
Food Manufacturing Talent Retention
The Food Industry Executive polls uncovered diverse methods to address the food manufacturing workforce retention struggle:
- 36% of respondents were prioritizing training and development programs.
- 29% were boosting wages and benefits.
- 29% of respondents were improving workplace culture.
- 21% reported budget constraints were barriers to improving the employee experience.
- 45% of respondents stated resistance to change was a barrier to elevating the employee experience.
Creating a Positive Food Manufacturing Workplace Culture
According to the Food Industry Executive polls:
- 50% of respondents were focusing on cross-functional teams to foster a positive workplace culture.
- 24% were implementing all-hands meetings to cultivate an inclusive culture.
- 45% of respondents used public recognition to celebrate employee accomplishments.
- 36% were prioritizing safety-focused leadership teams to ensure a safe, compliant workplace.
- 28% of respondents were conducting regular safety training to maintain safety and compliance.
- 28% were using open communication to develop a safe, compliant workplace.
Need Help Adding to Your Food Manufacturing Workforce?
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