Instead, many manufacturers are creating work teams on the shop floor and training workers to think and act strategically. The goal is to harness the full knowledge capabilities and experience of each worker. Creating an environment of continuing learning and retaining these newly emerging knowledge workers are perhaps the biggest. For example, a recent report by the Bureau of National Affairs noted that there is a tendency for this new generation of knowledge workers to switch jobs frequently, diminishing employee loyalty to a firm on the way. After all, a business would not tolerate someone walking off with an important piece of machinery.
Employees care about good pay and benefit packages.
Offer additional training opportunities so employees build new skills to make themselves more attractive for promotion. Employees like to know that their opinions count. Give them an opportunity to feel they have some influence. Recognize long-term employees. It gives newcomers a sense of stability within the company.