16.01.2025

The skills needed for jobs in the UK are predicted to change by 65% by 2030. Generative AI will be one of main forces causing upheaval in the workforce, according to research by LinkedIn.

Add to this a cost-of-living crisis, flexible working expectations and a skills shortage - and we face a perfect storm for businesses trying to retain their staff. So, how can manufacturers hold onto their top talent in 2025? The answer is regularly upskilling and retraining their teams.

Why training is key to retainment

Losing employees is a costly process - both financially and in terms of lower productivity. Investing in training and development is crucial because it helps staff to feel valued and increases job satisfaction.

Training is also vital for compliance and keeping employees safe and well in the workplace. It’s essential to start planning your 2025 training calendar now.

Key trends to consider include:

Developing future skills

When developing your existing talent, or promoting perpetual learning, consider what skills your organisation will need in the future. And don’t neglect succession planning. It’s vital to identify potential future leaders within your organisation and create plans to nurture their growth.

Consider using skills matrices to track gaps and plan targeted learning to make sure that your training will support the business’s goals. Also, job roles should evolve with the changing needs of your organisation. So ask yourself whether all your current roles and job titles are still relevant?

Focus on diversity, equality and inclusion

Today’s workforce wants employers who show a commitment to creating a place where employees feel valued, respected and empowered. Diverse teams are 36% more likely to outperform less diverse peers, according to research by McKinsey & Company.

Expect to see an increasing emphasis on belonging, as this emotional connection makes employees more likely to stay in their role. And target key training and resources on unconscious bias, micro aggressions and pay.

Big up your leaders 

Enhanced leadership and development programmes are essential for navigating the complex world of hybrid work, wellbeing and DE&I. They can boost employee satisfaction, engagement and loyalty by creating a shared vision, and show employees their contributions matter, boosting loyalty.

Prioritise wellbeing

Having strong mental health and wellbeing initiatives means you’re more likely to retain your talent, especially the younger generations. A staggering 76% of employees value mental health benefits as highly as financial compensation, found the recent Mental Health and Employers Report by Deloitte.

Show your support by weaving access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), regular check-ins, and flexible working arrangements into your company culture and benefits.

And it’s not just employees who are pushing for these changes. Reducing work-related ill health, with a specific focus on mental health and stress is one of the five objectives in the Health and Safety Executive’s ten-year plan.

Embrace AI

AI can be used to reduce admin time and free up HR teams to work on strategic initiatives. You could use AI to help you personalise training journeys for employees, ensuring they acquire the skills needed for future roles. However, always be transparent when using AI. Be aware of common safety and wellbeing considerations when working alongside AI - and address them. For example, discuss employees’ fear of being replaced. Upskilling HR teams to manage AI effectively is crucial for building trust and addressing employee concerns.

Going into battle

To be successful in the battle for talent, businesses will need to show a strong company culture and value-driven initiatives. This includes being adaptable to remote or flexible working.

It’s vital to highlight career paths available to employees and signpost internal mobility programmes. Too many employees feel they have to move on to gain a promotion, with 22% of voluntary resignations ascribed to career development needs, according to the 2023 Retention Report by Work Institute.

And when you do lose employees, make sure you conduct exit interviews and gain feedback that can help you refine the business’s culture and tweak your retention strategies.

How Make UK can help

In an ever-shifting work environment, Make UK offers a package of support around professional development, especially for mentoring and support. This includes IOSH for Health and Safety teams, and IEMA for those working in environmental or sustainability roles.

We also offer a wide range of management development courses that are accredited by CPD.

Email us now at [email protected] to find out how we can help you to develop an effective strategy to future-proof your organisation