Written by Laura Strickland, Partner Success Manager – Northeast Wisconsin
Tariffs might feel like a distant policy discussion, but for companies trying to attract and retain talent in Wisconsin, they’re becoming a real, disruptive force.
When manufacturers face tariff-driven cost increases, hiring plans are often the first thing to stall. Companies pull back on recruiting, delay key roles, or freeze headcount altogether—not because talent isn’t needed, but because budgets are under pressure. We’ve already seen this play out in early 2025, with regional job postings down 6% in core manufacturing hubs, even while demand for skilled labor remains high.
But it’s not just about fewer openings—it’s about a shift in what companies are hiring for. With a push toward automation and efficiency, many manufacturers are prioritizing tech-savvy talent over traditional roles. That creates a tension—talent pipelines aren’t always aligned with this shift, and many workers are being left in the skills gap.
For talent acquisition teams, this is a double-edged sword. It’s harder to fill new roles requiring specialized skills, and it’s harder to justify backfilling traditional roles that are being phased out. It means rethinking job requirements, investing in upskilling, and finding creative ways to attract a workforce that can grow with evolving business needs.
Is your business feeling the effects of the tariffs? What are you doing to offset them?