Money alone does not make you happy

A dream come true for many: winning millions in the lottery. The question that follows: Would you then continue working? 45 percent from the logistics sector answer "yes". For this proportion of skilled workers, the job represents a meaningful factor - you are needed, contribute your skills or feel part of a community.
The fact that the meaning of work is an offer for applicants has so far been accepted more among academics. However, many "meaning seekers" can also be found in the production sector. The remaining 55 percent seem to perceive work more as a means to an end and would give up their job for financial independence. Important for employers: both target groups must be taken into account in recruiting.

Factors that convey security

Skilled workers with vocational training prioritize job security factors particularly highly. A permanent job gives almost 70 percent of skilled workers in the production sector a sense of security. (Image: meinestadt.de)

For the production specialists surveyed, a secure job (80 percent) and a good working atmosphere (42 percent) are the most important aspects of the job. Opportunities for advancement within the company, on the other hand, ranked last with 11 percent. But how do specialists determine security? A permanent job is in first place with 70 percent, followed by punctual payment of salary (64 percent) and the economic stability of the company (38 percent).
The study participants would like to be addressed with concrete promises of performance instead of empty phrases about a supposedly meteoric rise such as "Now it's your career's turn!". Only 7 percent of production specialists find current job advertisements very convincing.

Work has a future and makes you proud

However, the industry comparison makes it clear that companies should take a differentiated approach to job marketing. The perception of security is charged differently in the various sectors and professions. For skilled workers in the production sector, fixed-term contracts provide the most security. In addition, company success and collective agreements play a comparatively important role in conveying security. 87 percent of skilled workers in the production sector are convinced that their work will still be in demand in ten years' time.

More than every second skilled worker in production states that they are proud of their current company. The open responses confirm the positive picture: there is talk of a "meaningful job", "fun at work" and a "good atmosphere". The meaningful aspect is also evident here.

Desire for more appreciation and honesty

Above all, skilled workers in production feel good in their job if occupational health and safety is taken into account and they don't have to work overtime. (Image: meinestadt.de)

In terms of the working atmosphere factor, the feeling of "being part of the team" (63%) and reliability among colleagues (43%) ranked at the top of the list. Production specialists also cite the aspect of "trust in the boss" comparatively often in connection with a good working atmosphere. If the atmosphere in the team is rated as poor, 71% say it is due to a lack of appreciation for performance. This is followed by a lack of praise from the boss and a lack of friendly cooperation.
The astonishing thing: The relevance of high remuneration increases fivefold overall for skilled workers in production under a poorly perceived working atmosphere. This once again highlights the importance of the working atmosphere.

Relevant content is in demand

The meaningful factor also plays an important role in the job for skilled workers with vocational training. Being part of a team of great colleagues primarily conveys a sense of purpose. (Image: meinestadt.de)

In the recruiting process, knowledge of these needs can help set the course. "If you want to be ahead in the competition for skilled workers who work in production, you should provide tangible arguments in job advertisements that suit the target group. The meaningful aspect can also play a more important role in employer branding for non-academic specialists than previously assumed," says Wolfgang Weber, Managing Director of meinestadt.de. am