While it's not a surprise, it's something that employers need to understand. A recent survey, State of Work in America survey, found that 60% said base pay was the most important factor when working for an organization.
Additionally, 57% said benefits were the most important factor when working for an organization and 56% noted that they would leave their organization if wages could not keep up with inflation.
Competitive pay and technology a key factor in transportation and distribution
According to the transportation and distribution data found in Grant Thornton’s 2024 State of Work in America survey, industry respondents emphasized base pay (60%) as the most important factor when working for an organization, closely followed by benefits (57%). Fifty-six percent also noted that they would leave their organization if wages could not keep up with inflation.
While base pay might be the clearest way to recruit and retain workers, companies need to find ways to balance competitive salaries against their own finances.
The survey also found that companies need to modernize while also maintaining worker support, especially when it comes to burnout. When asked about the top factor that contributes to burnout, 73% of respondents noted long hours.
While reducing long hours may not always be feasible for drivers and other workers in this industry, technology that enhances route planning can help.
For example, one of the most significant issues that drivers face, especially for those who are sleeping in their cabs, is parking. By utilizing technology, companies can help drivers find safe places to park more quickly, which in turn helps reduce the impact of long hours — and can cut down on burnout.
Ultimately, transportation and distribution companies will need smart solutions to help manage the evolving economic and workforce pressures.
Technology workers want job security
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful force reshaping workplace dynamics in the technology industry. According to the tech data in Grant Thornton’s 2024 State of Work in America survey, 41% of respondents expressed concerns about being replaced by AI.
Despite the turbulence within the industry, job security isn't the primary priority for technology workers. In fact, their focus is on career growth.
The top reason that technology respondents joined their current organization was the opportunity for advancement, which ranked higher than base pay. Seventy-three percent of respondents said they are actively pursuing internal advancement.
Respondents also listed the lack of advancement opportunities as the top reason they would leave their current organizations.
Long hours plague the manufacturing workforce
The manufacturing data found in the 2024 State of Work in America survey revealed one common priority among manufacturing employees: base pay.
According to the data, 50% of respondents were initially attracted to their organizations by base pay, while another 49% said their base pay is what’s keeping them at their organization. Respondents also indicated that they were even more likely to switch employers for an increase in base pay — at least, in urban areas.
So, how can manufacturers recruit and retain workers without constantly escalating base pay? The key is addressing one of their biggest concerns: long hours, with 54% of survey respondents citing it as a contributing factor to burnout.
Creative workforce management strategies that address employees’ top concerns and offer greater flexibility could help incentivize workers to stay with their current organization.
