The Soundings Trade Only Group today released the results of its 2024 Global Workforce Study during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference in Tampa, Fla. The results were disseminated during a panel discussion with five industry leaders hosted by Soundings Trade Only Group vice president and general manager Michele Goldsmith.
The group launched the global study to better understand the many sectors in the marine industry workforce. The study was sponsored by Imtra, MarineMax, Volvo Penta, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, Yamaha, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Marine Industry News.
Sitting on the panel was ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch, MRAA president Matt Gruhn, Imtra CEO Eric Braitmayer, Sea Tow president Kristen Frohnhoefer, and MarineMax senior vice president of people strategy Beth Ferguson Garland.
The quantitative survey was deployed in April and targeted professionals working in the marine industry who are 18 years and older. More than 700 participants — 60% male, 40% female, 20% international, 80% U.S. — from diverse sectors, disciplines and locations completed the survey. In addition to the quantitative data, the study includes qualitative insights gathered from two focus groups conducted in July.
The study touched on such points as job satisfaction, workforce age, salary growth, and gender, pay and inclusion gaps. The panel discussed the findings broken down into three categories:
• Attracting Talent
• Retaining Talent
• Developing Talent
Each panelist presented ways their company is working within these categories and spoke about areas for improvement.
Overall, the respondents reported having a passion for the marine industry, though the survey seems to indicate that there are challenges, frustrations and opportunities for improvement that will help move the industry forward.
Click here for a synopsis of the results.
The complete report can be downloaded here for a fee.
Additional reporting about how the industry is using the results of the workforce will appear in Soundings Trade Only beginning in early 2025.
