A growing trust gap in workplace reporting systems is emerging as an operational risk for manufacturers, particularly as younger employees enter the workforce. Recent survey data shows many workers hesitate to report harassment or misconduct, and dissatisfaction with employer responses remains high across industrial settings. Gen Z employees, in particular, expect clearer processes, faster follow-up and visible accountability, raising the stakes for supervisors and HR teams on the shop floor. When concerns go unreported or unresolved, employers face higher legal exposure, turnover risk and productivity challenges.

“Silence is expensive,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “When employees don’t trust the system, problems don’t disappear. They show up later as safety incidents, turnover and liability that could have been prevented.” 2/19/2026