5 Ways to Get More Referrals from Your Manufacturing Workforce

Because your best recruiter might be wearing steel-toe boots.

Finding great talent in manufacturing is no easy task—especially when skilled workers are in high demand and job boards feel like a game of chance. But here’s some good news: your best recruiters might already be on your factory floor.

Employee referrals work incredibly well in the manufacturing space, but only if your team knows about the program—and actually wants to use it. So, how do you turn welders, machinists, and shift leads into recruiting powerhouses?

Here are 5 practical (and fun) ways to boost referrals in your manufacturing workforce:

1. Make It Visual, Not Just Verbal

That bulletin board in the break room? It’s your secret weapon. Go beyond text and create bold, eye-catching posters that quickly explain:

• What the bonus is

• Who you’re hiring

• How to refer

Add QR codes that link directly to your referral portal. Bonus points for using punchy taglines like: “Help Us Fill the Floor—and Your Wallet”

2. Speak Their Language (and Shift)

Your plant workers aren’t glued to email. So meet them where they are:

• Kick off referral announcements during shift huddles

• Print flyers for lockers and lunch tables

• Create short videos with real team members talking about their referral wins

If you can, tailor outreach based on shift schedules because no one wants a referral reminder at 3am.

3. Double the Bonus for In-Demand Roles

Need CNC techs or maintenance pros yesterday? Create a sense of urgency and buzz by temporarily increasing the referral bonus for hot roles. Call it a "Hot Job Bonus Blitz" and give it a deadline. Scarcity works, and so does cold hard cash.

4. Celebrate the Referrers, Not Just the Referred

Sometimes, recognition is just as powerful as money. Use a leaderboard, give shoutouts during meetings, or post “Referral MVP” shoutouts near time clocks or on digital signage.

A little friendly competition on the shop floor goes a long way—especially if there’s a pizza party or prize pack on the line.

5. Make It Easy, Then Easier

No one wants to jump through hoops after a 10-hour shift. Your referral system should:

• Let employees submit names from their phone

• Track referrals automatically

• Show them updates on their referral’s progress (without needing to ask HR)

Hint: That’s exactly what we do at EmployeeReferrals.com.

Final Thought: Don’t Let Your Best Recruiters Clock Out

Your manufacturing team already knows the kind of people who fit your culture, can keep up with production demands, and care about quality. Give them the tools, incentives, and shoutouts they deserve—and watch your referral pipeline fill up fast.

Ready to boost your hiring game on the plant floor? Book a demo with EmployeeReferrals.com and let’s build something great—together.