Improve Morale on the Shop Floor
Happy employees are more productive and easier to retain long-term. As their leader you play an important role in keeping them satisfied with their work. Sometimes it is a simple statement or question that can make a big impact on employee morale. Geoffrey James reminds us of these simple acts in a recent Inc. article. “I need your help.” When your employees feel like they are a valued partner, they feel more invested in the company and in the operation. “What do you need from me?” Employees may have mixed feelings about asking for assistance – some might think they…
Beat the Summer Heat: Work in Manufacturing
Summer is definitely here! In Minnesota and Wisconsin – if we are lucky – we are feeling the heat and not just the mosquitoes. Now is a great time to take a look at the job opportunities available in the local precision and medical device manufacturing market. Manufacturing is often overlooked as a great career opportunity; today let’s debunk some of the myths out there: Manufacturing doesn’t pay well. Not true! Today’s manufacturing operations require skilled workers to produce products that impact people every day. Dream It Do It of Minnesota reports that on average manufacturing jobs earn $56,000+ a…
Creating a Company Culture
When speaking with perspective candidates, not only must manufacturers clearly explain the job requirements and benefits, but also the workplace environment and company culture. You may think you don’t have a company culture, but more than likely you do. Take time today to identify what that culture is and develop a story to better communicate it to job seekers. As Amy Power of Entrepreneur explains, “Company culture doesn’t have to be all about massages, breakfast burritos and swag. Culture definitely matters, but its success is based more on how people feel about working for the company than ritzy perks. Real…
Boosting Employee Productivity
A good manager or lead employee can make all the difference on your operation floor in terms of productivity. Laura Stack of HR resource website TLNT provides tips for leaders to build a more positive and more productive work environment. Track productivity. You can’t manage if you are not tracking and measuring your team’s productivity. This will allow you to not only stay on track but see where challenges exist and what areas need help or attention. Ask for feedback. Regularly ask employees for their thoughts on how to improve processes on the floor. They may be able to alert…
Building a Team not Just a Group
In precision manufacturing every day you can see the positive results of true teamwork to your operation. But what makes a team operate well, what makes a group of employees work together with a sense of purpose and community and how can you elevate your group to a team? Jim Sisson writes for the Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal, “A team is a group of people who share a common team purpose and a number of challenging goals. Members of the team are mutually committed to the goals and to each other. This mutual commitment also creates joint accountability which creates…
5 Tips for Attracting Talent
The State of Manufacturing survey conducted by Enterprise Minnesota interviewed 400 Minnesota manufacturers and those executives rated the ability to attract and retain workers as their 3rd most concerning issue. The survey also found that 47% of manufacturers are looking for employees with technical skills and experience. With the local talent pool tight, what are some tips to attract the employees you desire when you find them. Scott Span of HR resource site TLNT provides tips to attract talent: Provide career navigation from the start. To begin developing your plan interview current employees on what attracted them to your company,…