Built in the USA: Attracting and retaining workers in manufacturing

Webinar (September 29, 2022)

Amid a tight labor market and volatile world pressures, manufacturers are struggling to attract and retain skilled workers. In this SHRM webinar recording, thought leaders from the manufacturing and benefits industries discussed key insights from a recent study by The Manufacturing Institute. They explored the strategies some manufacturers are using to successfully attract employees and build long-term loyalty.

Whether you're in the manufacturing space or not, these lessons are valuable for everyone.

Graphic of Colonial Life's "Voluntary benefits 101" guide.

Voluntary benefits 101

A starter guide for busy manufacturing employers without the jargon

About the speakers

Chad Moutray headshot

Chad Moutray, CBE, Ph.D.

Chief Economist, National Association for Manufacturers (NAM)
Director, Center for Manufacturing Research, The Manufacturing Institute

Chad Moutray serves as the NAM's economic forecaster and spokesperson on economic issues. He frequently comments on current economic conditions for manufacturers through professional presentations and media interviews and has appeared on various news outlets. In addition, Moutray is the director of the Center for Manufacturing Research at The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the NAM, where he leads efforts to produce thought leadership, data and analysis of relevance to business leaders in the sector. Moutray was the chief economist and director of economic research for the Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2002 to 2010.

Michelle McLaughlin White headshot

Michelle White

Vice President, Colonial Life Marketing

Michelle White is the Vice President of Marketing for Colonial Life. She leads a marketing organization that works alongside the Colonial Life sales organization to support and deliver on their growth strategy. White has been with Unum and Colonial Life for over 16 years and has previously held roles with Colonial Life leading recruitment, sales training and development, client management and retention and with Unum in finance and claims. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maine and sits on the board for Lexington School District One’s Educational Foundation and Unum’s Political Action Committee.

Pat McCullough headshot

Patrick McCullough

Director, Market Development, Colonial Life

In this role, Patrick McCullough is focused on developing cost-effective benefits and enrollment services. With over two decades of leadership and market development experience, McCullough is part of a unit that evaluates and strategically refines benefits programs to help clients achieve their business objectives. He recently worked with the Manufacturing Institute on its research study on compensation and labor market effectiveness. His expertise has been featured in Employee Benefit News, School Business Affairs, U.S. Mayors Magazine and The New York Times.

You may be interested in

Two women discussing while walking.

How to (not) lose an employee in 10 days

Employee experiences that will help retain and delight your people.

Man in hard hat talking with woman

The smart guide to benefits enrollment

Best practices for employers that improve the employee experience.

Workers in safety vests talking

The Great Awakening: Competing for skilled labor

6 creative strategies to retain and recruit skilled workers in 2022.