The Power of a Small Gesture

Everyone wants to feel appreciated. Seen. Like they matter.

My wife tells a story from college—she was working a tough internship at a Florida theme park. The work was hard, the days were long, and she was new. New to the program, the people, the city. Honestly, she felt alone.

One afternoon, a manager walked up, handed her an ice cream, and said, “Thank you. I see how hard you’re working.”

That was it. Nothing fancy. Just a small gesture that said you matter.

She called her mom and cried. Not because of the ice cream—but because someone noticed. Someone cared.

It made her feel like she belonged.

And you know what? That’s what your employees want, too.

They may want more than a thank-you or a snack—but every strong culture starts with the same thing:

Small steps.

The little moments of recognition. The conversations. The trust. That’s what builds connection—and connection builds commitment.

Want better retention? Start by showing your people they’re seen.

What Skilled Trades Really Want in 2025

Good workers are out there—but if your offer misses the mark, they’ll keep walking.

A recent survey found that 72% of Americans believe trade workers are tougher than non-trade workers. No surprise there.

But here’s the kicker: 81% of those same people say skilled tradespeople don’t get the recognition they deserve.

That gap matters. Because in 2025, the skilled workforce isn’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for respect.

From what we’re seeing every day on the ground, here’s what top-tier trades talent actually wants:

✅ Recognition. Not just a pat on the back—real appreciation. It costs you nothing but builds loyalty like nothing else.

✅ Reliable pay + benefits. Wages still matter. But health insurance, PTO, and even sign-on bonuses are tipping the scales.

✅ Schedule flexibility. Even in shift-based work, crews want predictability and a little wiggle room. It's one of the top reasons people jump ship.

✅ Safety and dignity. Clean break rooms. Updated gear. A crew that’s treated like professionals—not expendable bodies.

✅ Opportunities to grow. Whether it’s leveling up skills or stepping into leadership, people want a future—not just a job.

At Swiftemp, we’re in the trenches with these workers every day. And when companies take this stuff seriously? Retention improves. Production stabilizes. And word spreads that you’re a place people want to work.

That’s the kind of reputation that fills roles fast.

The Effective Syndicate is a family of brands dedicated to supporting U.S. manufacturing by addressing the industry's unique challenges:

• The Effective Syndicate: Delivering expert consulting services in Lean Six Sigma, leadership development, and operational improvement to help manufacturing companies achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

• TES Recruiting: Connecting manufacturing companies with top-tier talent, from the shop floor to the C-suite.

• Swiftemp: Providing fast, reliable staffing solutions, specializing in temporary-to-hire roles for manufacturing and metal fabrication.

• GSD Manager Training: Empowering managers with practical, no-nonsense training to lead confidently, enhance productivity, and build stronger teams.

Together, we help U.S. manufacturing businesses thrive. Want to learn more? Check out our website! www.tes.run