55% of global engineering and manufacturing hiring managers say they’ve struggled to hire in the past 12 months, rising to 60% in the UKYet 49% of engineering and manufacturing professionals globally, and 39% in the UK, are actively looking for new rolesThe report reveals a shift in priorities as engineering and manufacturing professionals focus on purpose, work-life balance, and wellbeing72% of UK workers would turn down a promotion to protect their wellbeing, while only 12% say salary is their top priority when considering a new roleNew data from the 2025 Talent Trends report by Michael Page reveals more than half (55%) of global engineering and manufacturing hiring managers have faced hiring challenges over the past year, rising to 60% among UK managers. Yet this comes at a time when nearly half (49%) of engineering and manufacturing professionals globally, and 39% in the UK, say they are actively looking for a new role.Based on responses from almost 4,000 engineering and manufacturing professionals globally, the report highlights a shift in candidate priorities, with growing emphasis on trust in leadership, wellbeing, and meaningful work.This evolving landscape presents a clear opportunity for employers. With talent on the move, success will rely not just on meeting expectations but on communicating policies, values, and long-term commitments with clarity.Purpose is a top priority, but company culture lags behindThe Talent Trends data shows that purpose has become a top priority for engineering and manufacturing professionals. Demand for meaningful work has surged among UK candidates, with nearly half (43%) now prioritising purpose at work, up from 26% last year. This is notably higher than the global average of 33%, indicating that UK engineering and manufacturing workers place a greater premium on purposeful work. However, while expectations have risen, particularly in the UK, internal cultures are not always keeping pace. Only 38% of UK engineering and manufacturing workers feel they can be their authentic selves at work, just slightly above the global average of 32%. This highlights a clear opportunity for employers to communicate their culture and values to attract the right talent and build stronger, more engaged teams.Ruth Hancock, Regional Director, Engineering at Michael Page, says: “Professionals in engineering and manufacturing are looking for more than just a job; they’re seeking purpose and the chance to make a real impact. For hiring managers, the opportunity lies in creating and communicating these opportunities to their teams. This may mean encouraging and supporting non-linear career paths, or providing clarity around opportunities in emerging areas such as sustainability. When leaders connect people to meaningful work, everyone benefits.”Wellbeing matters yet trust in leadership waversWellbeing is also important for UK engineering and manufacturing professionals, with almost three-quarters (72%) saying they would turn down a promotion to protect it. This contrasts with 49% of professionals globally, highlighting a stronger emphasis on wellbeing among UK talent. At the same time, trust in leadership appears strained. Nearly half (46%) of UK professionals say they lack confidence in their leaders to balance business needs with employee wellbeing; a concern echoed by 42% of their global peers. As a result, 42% of UK workers are actively looking or planning to look for new roles due to dissatisfaction with leadership decisions.Work-life balance outweighs salary in driving career movesWhile salary has traditionally been a key motivator for career moves, this data suggests that priorities in the engineering and manufacturing workforce are shifting. Only 12% of UK professionals in engineering and manufacturing say salary is the top reason they’re looking for a new opportunity. Globally, that figure is slightly higher at 32%.In contrast, 83% of professionals in both the UK and globally say work-life balance is the most important factor when thinking about work. This shift suggests that financial incentives alone are no longer enough to attract or retain talent. For employers facing hiring challenges, the report underscores the importance of moving beyond traditional compensation models and providing clarity around company policies that support a healthy work-life balance.AI adoption rises, but professionals seek clarity and support from employersAI use is growing rapidly across engineering and manufacturing, with 43% of professionals globally using AI tools in their roles, up from 24% last year. Among users globally, 78% engage with AI at least weekly. These conclusions remain high in the UK still where 71% use it at least once a week. The benefits are clear from global candidates: 73% report increased productivity, 72% improved work quality, and 65% say AI helps them focus on more fulfilling tasks.Alongside these gains, professionals are looking for clearer policies and more training from employers. The report finds that globally, 62% feel their organisation could do more to prepare them for AI integration, and 41% of global candidates say they’re using AI tools not provided by their employer. As AI becomes a core workplace technology, having a clear strategy and support for its use is increasingly important for talent attraction and retention.Ruth Hancock continues: Our Talent Trends report shows that clarity has never mattered more. In a market where professionals are prioritising purpose, wellbeing and flexibility, it’s not just about what you offer; it’s about how clearly and consistently you communicate it. Whether it’s company culture, career pathways, or policies around the use of AI, transparency is key. Employers who lead with clarity will be best placed to attract and retain the talent they need for the future.To explore more insights from Michael Page's 2025 Talent Trends report, read more here.MethodologyAll figures, unless otherwise stated, are from an online survey conducted by PageGroup and UNLIMITED.Talent Trends 2025 is a 20-minute, quantitative online survey conducted by UNLIMITED on behalf of PageGroup between 4th November 2024 and 19th December 2024.A total of 49,396 global surveys were completed with candidates of which 15,726 were also clients. This includes 38,202 through PageGroup’s database, and a further 11,194 via a research panel partner. For engineering and manufacturing professionals specifically, there were 3,874 global surveys, including 1,159 clients and 2,716 candidates.Data has been weighted by country to the known proportion of each country based on PageGroup’s database.About PageGroupPageGroup is one of the world’s best-known and most respected recruitment consultancies. We put people into jobs and build careers. We are customer-led, people-powered and insight driven. With operations in 36 countries, PageGroup provides recruitment services and career opportunities at a local, regional, and global level.PageGroup operates four key brands: Page Executive, Michael Page, Page Personnel and Page Outsourcing, supported by additional brands across the business.
