It is always important to look after your employees regardless of the industry that you are in, but particularly in manufacturing when the work can often be physical, demanding, and repetitive. This is an industry where you often see employees with low morale and companies with high staff turnover, but you can avoid this when you know how to properly look after your staff and create a positive workplace atmosphere. There are a few effective steps that you can take to achieve this, and in addition to high morale and low turnover, this can take the business forward while making work more enjoyable for all.
- Praise
It is incredible the difference that praise can make on employees, yet it is an area that many business owners overlook. Positive feedback can lift spirits, encourage hard work and help people to feel valued in their position, so it is something that everyone can benefit from. It is incredibly easy to start doing.
- Comfortable Work Conditions
As mentioned, the work in this industry can be physical, demanding, and repetitive, so you must provide comfortable workplace conditions. There needs to be enough space for people to carry out their role safely, plenty of natural light, comfortable seating areas, a comfortable temperature and tasteful decor to lift people’s spirits and help them to work hard for the whole day.
- Upgrade Equipment
Asking your employees to work with worn out, tired and even broken equipment sends the wrong message, and it could also be slowing down the operation. This is why you should consider upgrading your equipment, especially items like a conveyor belt which plays such a key role in manufacturing. Having a high-quality, custom-build conveyor belt can speed up the operation, make work easier for staff while also showing that you care about your employees.
- Relaxed Yet Productive Atmosphere
You must also think about the atmosphere in the workplace as this will have a significant impact on morale. You should try to create a relaxed yet productive atmosphere where staff can communicate openly, take enough breaks, and feel relaxed yet still want to work hard (you can do this by using goals and incentives).
- Role Variation & Career Development
In any role which can be repetitive, you might want to think about offering some role variation so that people can enjoy some different responsibilities (this can also reduce errors). Not only this, but you should listen to staff to find out what their career goals are and then find ways to help them achieve this within the company.
- Flexible Working
It is essential to understand that the typical Monday to Friday 9-5 way of working is fading away and instead flexible and remote work is on the rise. While remote work is not always possible in this industry, you should consider flexible working and appreciate that your employees have a life away from the business.
You must know how to look after employees in the manufacturing industry so that you can retain staff, create the right atmosphere, and help people to enjoy coming into work each day. These are all effective strategies to achieve this.
No Comments