From Recruitment to Retention: Tackling Workforce Issues in Food Manufacturing

Key Takeaways

• The food industry is grappling with a significant talent shortage, particularly in finding qualified candidates.
• Companies are prioritizing employee development and workplace culture improvements to retain staff.
• Resistance to change remains a major obstacle in enhancing the employee experience.

The food industry is grappling with significant workforce challenges, primarily centered around attracting and retaining talent. From July to September 2024, we asked our Food Industry Executive audience to weigh in on current workforce challenges and trends through a series of LinkedIn polls. Let’s take a look at the highlights. 

The top hiring challenges

We found that the biggest challenge companies face in recruiting is a lack of qualified candidates (47%), followed by compensation demands (24%). And the labor shortage has led to increased overtime work (40%) and reduced production capacity (36%) for many food manufacturers.

Respondents found online job boards (36%) and employee referrals (27%) to be the most effective recruiting methods. However, looking ahead, one in four respondents see skills gaps and shortages as the most significant challenge facing the future of work in food manufacturing. 

Retaining top talent

To address the workforce retention crisis, companies are prioritizing training and development programs (36%), boosting wages and benefits (29%), and improving workplace culture (29%). However, budget constraints (21%) and resistance to change (45%) remain significant barriers to improving employee experience.

Creating a positive, safe workplace culture

Food companies are focusing on cross-functional teams (50%) and regular all-hands meetings (24%) to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Additionally, 45% of respondents celebrate employee achievements through public recognition.

To ensure a safe and compliant workplace, companies are prioritizing safety-focused leadership teams (36%), regular safety training (28%), and open communication (26%).

The food industry faces significant workforce challenges, from attracting qualified candidates to retaining top talent. However, companies are actively addressing these issues through various strategies, including improved recruitment methods, employee development programs, and efforts to create positive and safe workplace cultures. As the industry continues to evolve, addressing skills gaps and adapting to changing workforce needs will be crucial for long-term success and sustainability.