The role of work system-related factors on skilled workers’ turnover intentions – A study in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Southern Germany

Abstract

Demographic change is leading to a substantial decline of the workforce and thus an increase in job vacancies in the labor market. This development favors employee turnover, which in particular is a challenge for manufacturing companies, for which it is already impossible to meet the demand for skilled workers. It is essential to identify specific predictors related to manufacturing that can lead to turnover, to define suitable countermeasures for retaining skilled employees in small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturing companies.This paper presents the results of a study conducted in manufacturing SMEs in Southern Germany. 11 companies and more than 240 skilled workers were surveyed. With regard to limitations, it cannot be completely excluded that there is a bias in participating companies. It is possible that the majority of the SMEs participated are concerned about the welfare of their employees anyway and companies with dissatisfied employees chose to decline participation. In addition, the sample size was limited due to the restrained participation rate, even if it was sufficient for the statistical tests.