How CRE leaders can help win the battle for frontline tech talent 

As the demand and competition for frontline talent intensifies, manufacturers of semiconductors and other advanced technology must invest in creating a positive experience for the workforce, whose environments and responsibilities often differ significantly from those in traditional office settings. The focus in technology manufacturing facilities tends to be on the labs and clean room spaces where production happens. However, frontline workers also need collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and areas for informal interaction to facilitate knowledge sharing. Modular designs and adaptable infrastructure can help manufacturers accommodate evolving training needs and technological advancements.

Particularly in high-demand labor markets, the competition for talent is fierce. Properties that lack amenities such as food options and collaborative spaces may be less appealing to workers in a competitive labor market. 

Attracting and retaining frontline workers requires attention to how the work environment contributes to employees’ well-being—and on that front, many properties need a refresh. Incorporating features such as natural light, ergonomic workstations, quiet zones, and access to outdoor spaces can help CRE leaders create more attractive workplaces for frontline workers.

"The semiconductor industry stands at the forefront of innovation, yet many of its manufacturing facilities lag behind in their office and amenity spaces,” says John Leddy, Managing Director of Technology at JLL. “Investing in updated, employee-centric spaces isn't just about upgrading brick and mortar; it's about building a future where top tech talent thrives, driving the next wave of technological advancement." 

Beyond that, amenities that support work-life balance, community building and a strong sense of company values and culture can be important differentiators in a competitive talent market creating more attractive workplaces for employees. 

While the U.S. has been a leader when it comes to semiconductor design and innovation, the manufacturing of chips is often outsourced abroad, largely to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Increasing the domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity is a priority for both economic and national security reasons, but the U.S. faces an obstacle in the form of a shortage of qualified production workers. 

One provision of the CHIPS and Science Act, CHIPS Incentives Program, includes $39 billion in incentives to build, expand or modernize semiconductor facilities and equipment. Under that provision, roughly $200 million in appropriated resources will support a Workforce and Training Fund. The law also authorizes $13 billion for STEM education and workforce development, to be spent by the National Science Foundation. Partnerships between manufacturers and local municipalities, community colleges and trade school programs will also be key to building the talent pool. 

CRE leaders can support the industry’s efforts to upskill frontline workers (and reskill workers from other fields) in several ways, including dedicated training spaces within or near manufacturing facilities. In addition, manufacturing spaces need to be equipped with robust IT infrastructure to support advanced technologies and training programs, including high-speed internet, data centers and reliable power supply.