Sales order automation software provider Conexiom announced on Sept. 14 the results of its 2022 State of Hiring and the (Future) State of Manufacturing and Distribution Report survey. The results found that 80% of manufacturing and distribution respondents are worried about hiring in the manufacturing and distribution industries in the next five years.

The report assesses the manufacturing and distribution industries with particular attention to Generation Z’s opinions about the future of the sector, according to a news release, as the industry begins to feel the effects of a labor shortage that may be exacerbated when 2.6 million Baby Boomers retire in the next decade.

The survey’s findings include the following stats:

• 47% of respondents plan to invest in technology to make their businesses more attractive to jobseekers.
• 70% of respondents said technology has a strong influence on Gen Z’s desire to pursue a career in the industry.
• 93% of business leaders in manufacturing feel positive about Gen Z entering the workforce, while 62% of business leaders in distribution feel similarly.

“Our findings show Gen Z is afraid of the looming recession, yet the numbers also show they are ready to look for work and even take on a level of risk in order to be fulfilled,” Conexiom CEO Ray Grady said. “Gen Z is the future of the sector, and the manufacturing and distribution industries are essentially the lifeline for a functioning America. Our survey provides some interesting insight into priorities and non-negotiables for this demographic.”

A detailed summary of the results of the survey can be found here.