By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA

In an era where employee retention has become increasingly challenging, particularly following the “Great Resignation” and fierce, domestic competition for labor, US moldmaking companies are seeking effective strategies to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement. This ultimately leads them to implement strategies and business processes that will contribute to high employee retention.

For this reason, AMBA recently conducted a survey that delved into the factors that impact employee workplace experiences in the US moldmaking industry. The final playbook, Employee Engagement, Satisfaction and Retention Strategies, aims to identify the best practices that contribute to higher levels of employee engagement (and corresponding tenure) within organizations, as well as outline actionable guidance for industry players looking
to optimize their workforce dynamics and achieve
long-term success.

The final report – which was compiled via insights from 49 executives, supervisors and/or emerging leaders in the mold manufacturing community across the United States – highlights the important role that key factors play in the overall employee experience. These include, but are not limited to,

• company culture,
• professional development opportunities,
• bonus incentives and metrics,
• formal and informal feedback techniques,
• employee recognition,
• internal company perceptions and more.

A particularly valuable aspect of the research is its practical approach to implementation. The report includes detailed feedback from industry respondents. For example, summarized pages include desired and existing cultural elements within organizations, and the pages detail a wide spectrum of suggestions, such as accountability measures and enhanced benefits to team-building events and professional development opportunities.

Additionally, the report addresses performance feedback strategies, distinguishing between informal and formal feedback mechanisms, professional development benchmarks and bonus incentive metrics.

Regarding the data provided via the survey process, this playbook goes one step further than other AMBA reports, citing extensive research from external sources like Gallup and Workhuman and expert opinions via Forbes and other publications. This report also is unique in its provision of actionable insights, compiled alongside psychological reasoning and external, global data.

Throughout the document, the research consistently emphasizes that employee engagement isn’t just about satisfaction metrics – it’s a crucial driver of business success. By focusing on culture, recognition, professional development and effective feedback systems, moldmaking companies can create environments that not only retain employees but also drive measurable productivity and innovation.

To access this playbook, which serves as both a benchmark of current industry practices and a roadmap for organizations looking to enhance their employee engagement strategies in an increasingly competitive labor market, AMBA members can visit the Publications page at www.amba.org. AMBA members who did not participate can purchase the report for $49.