Shift Talk

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. 

In this episode, we chat with Hannah Bolte, Director of People, Communications, & Marketing at Lozier Corporation and Co-Chair of the Women in Manufacturing Nebraska chapter.

Hannah gives us an inside look at how she’s creating better ways to connect everyone in the company, from the plant floor to the CEO’s office. She also shares her passion for rebranding manufacturing and making the industry more inclusive—especially for women.

Tune in to hear how she’s making an impact through technology and engagement! 

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. 

Join Stacy Cassio, Founder and CEO of Pink Mentor Network, as she explains her inspiring journey from the factory floor to leading a transformative movement in manufacturing. Learn how she’s creating a culture of mentorship that not only drives innovation and inclusive leadership but empowers women to find their voice and support one another. This episode offers practical advice on how to build a mentorship culture at your facility. 

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. 

Vivian Sanchez, the Training and Development Manager at Lincoln Premium Poultry in Nebraska, joins us to discuss her unexpected journey into the manufacturing industry and her transformative impact on employee engagement and retention. 

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. 

Chris Luecke, the voice behind The Manufacturing Happy Hour, joins us to talk about critical issues in the manufacturing industry. From closing the management gap and empowering employees through personal branding to engaging with local communities, Chris offers actionable insights to help manufacturers thrive.

Connect with Chris and The Manufacturing Happy Hour

Chris Luecke | The Manufacturing Happy Hour

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. 

Tune in as Joe Suardi, Director of Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning at RK Industries, as we talk about the challenges and opportunities to develop a skilled hourly workforce in 2024. Hear how RK Industries deals with the massive gap in job openings to attract and retain the next generation of skilled and entry-level labor in the construction and manufacturing trades.

Connect with Joe Suardi:
Joe Suardi’s LinkedIn Profile

Visit RK Industries:
Explore RK Industries

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. 

Check out this episode with Chad Moutray, Chief Economist of the National Association of Manufacturers and the Director for the Center of Manufacturing Research at the Manufacturing Institute.  

We unpack what 2024 is going to look like (spoiler alert: still lots of uncertainty) and talk about what manufacturers and distributors are doing to improve recruitment and retention to keep up with what hourly production workers want in today’s tight labor market.  

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.