Introduction: The Manufacturing Turnover Challenge

The manufacturing industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, yet it faces a persistent challenge: high employee turnover. Recent data indicates that the manufacturing sector experiences a turnover rate of approximately 28.6%, significantly above the national average of 3.6%.

This elevated turnover not only disrupts production but also complicates compliance efforts, particularly concerning the accurate completion and management of Form I-9, essential for verifying the employment eligibility of new hires.

Understanding Turnover in the Manufacturing Industry

Several factors contribute to the high turnover rates within manufacturing::

• Lack of Communication: Poor transparency about pay and company health increases turnover.
• Limited Appreciation: Employees feeling undervalued are more likely to leave.
• Burnout: Overworking leads to dissatisfaction and exits.
• Stagnant Growth: Without development opportunities, employees seek advancement elsewhere.

These factors necessitate robust strategies to manage turnover effectively while ensuring compliance with employment verification requirements.

Strategies for I-9 Compliance in Manufacturing Organizations

  1. Timely Completion of Form I-9

Ensure that Section 1 of Form I-9 is completed by the employee no later than their first day of employment and that the employer finalizes Section 2 within three business days. Implementing a standardized onboarding process can facilitate adherence to these timelines.

  2. Regular Training for HR Personal

Provide ongoing training sessions for HR staff to stay updated on the latest I-9 regulations and procedures. This is particularly crucial in high-turnover environments to maintain consistency and compliance.

  3. Conduct Internal Audits

Regularly auditing I-9 forms can help identify and rectify errors proactively, reducing the risk of non-compliance during external inspections.

  4. Leverage E-Verify

Enrolling in E-Verify allows organizations to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires electronically, adding an extra layer of verification to the I-9 process.

  5. Implement Digital Solutions

Leveraging digital tools for I-9 management can streamline the process, reduce errors, and ensure secure storage of sensitive information.

Enhancing Compliance with Clear I-9

Managing I-9 compliance amidst high turnover can be challenging, but Clear I-9 offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of the manufacturing industry.

Key Benefits of Clear I-9: 

• Automated Workflows: Streamline the I-9 process, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.
• Real-Time Validation: Instantly verify employee information to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Live  I-9 Video Verifications: Facilitate remote verification processes, essential for organizations with geographically dispersed teams.
• Secure Document Storage: Maintain all I-9 forms in a secure, centralized repository, ensuring easy access during audits.
• Regulatory Updates: Stay informed with automatic updates on the latest I-9 regulations, ensuring your organization remains compliant.