Manufacturing has always been the backbone of American innovation and excellence. But, employee engagement in this sector remains at 25%, which is well below the national average of 33%. This signals a need for changes in workplace culture.
High-pressure and competitive environments encourage a negative culture. Eventually, employees within a negative culture will become disengaged from the company. Research shows that disengaged employees are more likely to become sick from higher levels of stress, resulting in increased absenteeism and job turnover. They also have 49% more accidents and 60% more errors. Negative, high-pressure cultures come with a higher cost, due to loss in productivity and attention to quality.
Transitioning to a Positive Workplace
A positive manufacturing work culture matters in today’s economy. It can be the edge a factory needs to increase productivity and rise above their competition. The reason for this is simple—employees are more engaged.
Engaged employees know what’s expected of them and look for opportunities to learn and grow. They are committed to quality and safety, while motivating others around them to do better. Their attitude becomes infectious, resulting in a more positive workplace.
It only takes a little bit of effort in the right direction to encourage more engagement. Here are three things small to mid-sized manufacturers can do to improve their culture:
1. Improve Communication
Fostering connections with employees begins with improved channels of communication. Many of the traditional forms of communication no longer connect with individuals or teams the way they should. In-person meetings fail to inform everyone, and printed bulletins often get ignored. Factory employees are more likely to open a text or email from the company and follow the links to get more information. This ensures that information is properly disseminated, which increases engagement with everyone.
2. Make People Feel Like They Matter
Manufacturing is not always a predetermined process. There are ways to continuously improve how things are done. Managers need to figure out how much control they can give back to their employees, so they feel like they matter. A little autonomy and control with the process will let them feel like they are more accountable, which creates higher engagement and more positive workplace culture.
3. Be Available for Feedback
When managers are engaged with employees, they show that communication can and should be a two-way street. They are more approachable, receptive, and open to employee concerns. Encouraging employees to talk about their problems builds trust. They feel safer and more confident that their managers care. This is also a great way to coach and develop people for other positions in the company.
Company Culture Matters
Increased engagement is the key to building a brighter future for the company. It becomes a place where people want to have a lasting career. Less turnover means more experienced and highly-skilled employees, delivering what the customer wants, on-time every time. The future of any manufacturing company depends upon a positive culture.