Maintaining a fully staffed production floor has always been a challenge for managers. A study conducted in 2018 by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence found the average turnover and absenteeism rate among manufacturing and distribution plants was 37 percent. Then, COVID struck, and the accompanying economic crisis made staffing an even steeper hill to climb.
Though the economy is recovering, manufacturers are still faced with the daunting task of recruiting and retaining workers. With that in mind, here are five great ways to motivate production-floor employees.
Individual Financial Rewards
It’s no secret money motivates people. And attaching monetary incentives to specific individual production goals not only helps retention but it also encourages higher productivity in the short run. Everybody wins.
Organizational Achievement Plans
Along those lines, having a company-wide production bonus can build both individual output and team productivity. Not only are employees rewarded when goals are met, but employee engagement increases as individuals are more in tune with how the work they do directly contributes to the organization’s success.
Encouraging Social Interaction
When you provide ways to make it easier for employees to interact, a few good things happen. First, employees will enjoy coming to work more when they feel like part of a team whose members like working together. Second, that interaction leads to opportunities for veterans to share their knowledge and experience with newer employees. Third, studies indicate that the stronger employee relationships are, the more productive and safer their work environments will be.
Cross-Training
Switching up roles and responsibilities keeps things fresh around the floor, but it also helps develop contingency planning. Knowledge is power – not just for employees who may be interested in moving along their career paths, but for companies looking for increased productivity.
The Good, Old-Fashioned Suggestion Box
The modest, time-honored suggestion box is still one of the most cost-effective, straightforward ways to encourage employee/management communication. Remember how, a few paragraphs ago, we linked interaction to higher productivity and engagement? Interaction between supervisors and their team members is an even greater indicator – and predictor – of success.
Hire More Production Employees With Mega Force!
Effective managers can take these ideas and make them a springboard to retention and productivity. To further strengthen your business and give your company an infusion of talent, contact Mega Force. We provide quality industrial staffing for businesses throughout the Carolinas. Visit our website today.
