Solving Iowa's Workforce Crisis: Strategies for Manufacturers

Iowa's workforce is expected to shrink by 240,000 people by 2030, posing a significant threat to the state's manufacturing economy. In this episode, Dawn Ealy from CIRAS joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to share how her team is equipping manufacturers to face this challenge head-on. From retention strategies to recruiting Gen Z and crafting age-inclusive leadership approaches, Dawn offers practical guidance grounded in Iowa's current workforce realities.

We also dive into CIRAS's change management expertise, including the 7 essential concepts of organizational change. Whether your business is undergoing transformation or preparing for the future, Dawn's insights will help you navigate resistance, earn leadership buy-in, and lead change that sticks. This conversation is a must-listen for any Iowa manufacturer ready to treat workforce strategy not as an HR function—but as a core driver of business success.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/retaining-older-workers-past-retirement