Manufacturing is in a tough spot. Hiring is slowing, investments are stalling, and shifting policies are keeping everyone guessing. Economist Michael Austin talks about what this uncertainty really means for the industry and how leaders can build a plan that holds up when everything keeps changing. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

“Don’t overthink it.” That’s the advice manufacturing consultant Lute Atieh gives to facilities struggling with training in an industry where turnover is high and veteran knowledge is walking out the door. 

In this episode, Lute shares how manufacturers can move from outdated onboarding processes that piles new hires into classrooms, pairs them with an overworked veteran, and hopes for the best. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

For Gordon Patterson, leading Talent Acquisition is about building something that lasts. In this episode, he shares how he shaped a mission-driven team at LKQ. From aligning with Ops to developing future talent pipelines, Gordon shows how people, process, and technology can become your playbook for success. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

Jamey Quelle survived a brain tumor and came back with a new mission: fix what’s broken in manufacturing. In this episode, he shares lessons from 20+ years in the industry, how reffing basketball taught him about workforce dynamics, and why flexibility isn’t just a Gen Z perk - it’s the future of retention. This one’s for leaders looking for creative solutions to today's workforce problems.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

What happens when HR and Ops don’t share the same goals? You lose money and people.

In this episode of Shift Talk, Nicola Worthy, founder of Talent Worthy and a former Director of Talent Development, breaks down why manufacturers keep missing the mark on retention, communication, and leadership alignment. 

From the myth of "just hire better" to why autonomy (not flexibility) is the future of work, Nicola shares practical, factory-tested insights on building a workforce that sticks around and actually performs.

Whether you're on the plant floor or in the C-suite, this conversation will change how you think about turnover, leadership KPIs, and the true cost of doing nothing.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

HR leaders in manufacturing hear it all the time: “We just need better people.” But when turnover is at 300-400%, is it really a hiring problem—or is work itself broken?

Josh Drean, co-founder of the Work3 Institute and author of Employment is Dead, breaks down why traditional employment models no longer work for frontline employees and what manufacturers must do to compete for talent. 

From rethinking flexibility in hands-on roles to fixing outdated incentives, this episode outlines a roadmap for leaders who want to stop the churn and start building a workforce that stays.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

Retention challenges in manufacturing and distribution go beyond the surface—especially for women. On this episode of Shift Talk, we sat down with Shannon Bumgarner, a 25+ year manufacturing veteran and host of the Empowering Women in Industry podcast, to discuss actionable strategies HR managers can implement to create inclusive workplaces, close skills gaps, and reduce turnover in their workforce.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

To adapt, it often takes a bit of disruption and outside-the-box thinking. 

In this episode of Shift Talk, Tracie Sponenberg, Chief People Officer and co-founder of DisruptHR, shares why HR in distribution and supply chain must keep innovating.

Blending over 30 years of experience from her in-house experience at UPS and The Granite Group, Tracie now advises HR pros in distribution, manufacturing and supply on how to modernize their HR practices and empower frontline managers and hourly workers.

Even lean teams can cut through red tape, create a coaching culture, and drive meaningful change.

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

Partnerships are everything. Laura Ulrich, Senior Regional Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, returns to Shift Talk to share how her research has grown from a 10-school pilot to a national effort over the past year. 

She shares examples of how employers are joining forces with community colleges to tackle labor shortages. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.

Rethink everything you know about work. In this episode of Shift Talk, we spoke with Josh Drean, co-founder of the Work3 Institute and co-author of "Employment is Dead" about the shifting landscape of work. 

Traditional employment models no longer meet the needs of a modern workforce and employee experience is taking a backseat to company profits. 

Join us as we look into what the future of work will look like where the "old rules" will no longer apply. 

Many manufacturers and distributors are stuck in a revolving door of new hires, failing to meet production, and losing workers. Learn about how MyWorkChoice builds reliable workforces.