Why Talent is the Biggest Competitive Advantage for Wisconsin Manufacturers
Wisconsin manufacturers face a well-known challenge: it’s tough to find and retain good talent. But as George Bureau, SVP of Consulting at WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, explains, recruiting is only part of the story. Too often, manufacturers pour resources into hiring—only to watch employees walk out the door. The real opportunity? Fixing the leaks.
The Real Problem Isn’t Just Hiring—It’s Turnover
When manufacturers bring in eight new hires but lose six within months, it’s not just a labor shortage—it’s a strategy gap. Whether it’s recruitment, onboarding, or culture fit, the system needs attention.
Define—and Validate—Your Employer Value Proposition
Why should someone work for you? More importantly, why should they stay? Manufacturers must define their employer value proposition—and validate it with the people who matter most: their current employees. Then, that value must be protected and improved every day.
Engagement Drives Performance
Retention matters. But engagement is the true differentiator. Employees who are invested emotionally—not just financially—outperform those who simply punch the clock. High-performing teams thrive when individuals believe in the company and their role in it.
Invest in People, Develop with Intention
Know your key players. Understand their aspirations. Work with them to build the skills they need to succeed—personally and professionally. It takes effort, but the payoff is a stronger, more capable workforce.
Recognition and Reward Must Reinforce the Culture
Your systems should do more than track performance—they should cultivate it. Programs like gainsharing or skills-based rewards reinforce that every team member has a stake in your success.
Make Manufacturing a Career of Choice
Manufacturing today offers rewarding, lifelong, and impactful careers. It’s time to tell that story loudly and often. Whether through school partnerships, non-traditional hiring pipelines, or internal upskilling, manufacturers can and should lead from the front.
Go on Offense—Be an Employer of Choice
Talent is your differentiator. By fixing leaks, strengthening your value proposition, and engaging employees at every level, you don’t just retain a workforce—you build a competitive advantage. WMEP is here to guide the process and help Wisconsin manufacturers create workplaces where people want to build their futures.
WMEP is a nonprofit consulting organization with a simple mission: help Wisconsin manufacturers succeed. Our advisors bring real-world industry experience and deliver practical solutions across three key focus areas: Growth, Operations, and People. Contact us to talk about how we can help you build a skilled and trained workforce, implement workforce training and leadership development, and develop a strong employer value proposition and culture.