Why Manufacturers Are Losing New Hires in the First 90 Days And How to Fix It

Manufacturing leaders are experiencing an unsettling trend: new hires are walking out the door faster than ever. For small and mid-sized plants, this hurts more than just productivity, it hits morale, safety, and your bottom line. The first 90 days of employment have become a breaking point. And in today’s reshoring-driven, high-demand environment, manufacturers simply […]
The New Skills Gap in Manufacturing: How SMB Plants in D.C. Can Compete for Talent Against Bigger Employers

Manufacturing in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding region is evolving faster than most small and midsize businesses (SMBs) can hire. Automation, new technologies, compliance demands, and shifting workforce expectations have created a new type of skills gap, one that isn’t just about technical ability. Today’s gap is about finding people who can grow, adapt, and […]
2026 Manufacturing Workforce Outlook: Why SMB Manufacturers Need an Adaptive Talent Strategy

As manufacturers enter 2026, uncertainty continues to define the industry, volatile demand, shifting tariffs, reshoring pressures, and rapid technology adoption are reshaping workforce requirements. Deloitte’s 2026 Manufacturing Industry Outlook highlights a reality every SMB manufacturer now feels: the competition for skilled labor has never been more intense. According to Deloitte, one-third of executives say their […]
Workforce Development in Manufacturing: How Virginia Businesses Can Build, Train, and Retain Skilled Talent

Manufacturing across Virginia is accelerating, from advanced machining in Lynchburg to aerospace and robotics in Northern Virginia to shipbuilding along the coast. But as exciting as growth is, one challenge consistently rises to the top for small and mid-sized manufacturing companies: Finding, developing, and keeping the people who power your business. At PeopleWorX, we believe […]