A tech-driven future

For years when people in manufacturing heard the word automation their first reaction was it was going to replace their job, and perhaps many of their coworkers’ jobs as well. That fear seems to be subsiding as this year only 52% of respondents in Epicor’s 2024 “Voice of the Essential Manufacturing Worker” survey believe their job will be replaced by automation. This is down from 64% in 2023, and this year’s survey shows manufacturing workers are embracing tech-driven work.

Automation and technology are driving forces for finding and keeping workers. In Epicor’s second annual survey of 600 U.S. factory or plant workers, more than half of the U.S. manufacturers’ workers surveyed said they’d take a pay cut to go work for a more technology-driven factory. Additionally, 83% of those surveyed who’ve had the opportunity to use new tools and technologies said they worked more efficiently, underscoring how today’s workers aren’t afraid of being replaced by automation. Rather, it shows they’re more comfortable with advancing technologies – seeing the benefits it brings to their daily job.

Additional findings from the report show:

• Commitment to upskilling slips: 70% of companies are actively pursuing training initiatives, making upskilling a priority; a 10-point slip from 2023.
• Workplace morale declines: 45% of workers cite high morale; decreased from 52% in 2023.
• Technology investments stagnating: Companies investing in new technology – up from 45% to 49%; those eager to embrace technology dropped 2% to 48%; 39% say their workplace is “very modern;” 43% say it’s “somewhat modern;” 18% say it’s “not very modern at all.”
• Sustainability concerns: 55% express a preference for more sustainable working conditions; only 45% believe their companies prioritize this adequately.
• Turnover: 43% of workers are considering leaving their jobs within a year.
• Top four technologies: Respondents named four primary technologies their factories or plants are using – Big Data (41%); 3D printing (39%); robotics or artificial intelligence (37%); augmented reality (36%).

According to Kerrie Jordan, group vice president, product management at Epicor, “We continue to see manufacturing workers stating their clear preferences for technology-driven, sustainable work environments. These results can help manufacturing leadership better understand their teams and harness technological change to spur growth and create the manufacturing workforce of the future.”

As companies grapple with how to attract and retain employees, employers need to look at how advanced their facilities are and what technology upgrades they can embrace so today’s highly skilled workers will find satisfaction in their careers and not be ready to leap to the next opportunity they find.