3 Ways to Keep the Best Workers
Wondering how you can keep the best workers? It might be easier than you think. Many assume that workers only quit because they find a job that pays more. In reality, compensation is only part of the reason works leave. Even then, it’s rarely the top one. Our team talks to lots of people that work in the manufacturing industry. From executives to building owners to floor personnel. In our conversations we’ve heard lots of explanations about why workers say they quit. That’s why we’re presenting 3 strategies to keep the best workers.
- Improve Working Conditions.
- Show Employees they Are Valued.
- Communicate and Invite Communication.
Improve Working Conditions
A hot, humid factory is a tough place to work. Especially when your staff knows that the factory down the street is cooler and more comfortable. Employees often quit because they are fed-up with high temperatures in the building. We’ve even heard, more than once, of promising employees quitting on their first day once they realize how hot the plant is.
Decreasing temperatures, lowering humidity, and bringing in natural daylight are all ways to improve working conditions. Sometimes it’s as easy as replacing skylights with TriadVent ventilators a 20°+ temperature drop. Either way your employees will thank you for improving working conditions.
Show Employees they Are Valued
When employees struggle in 100°+ temperatures on the factory floor, only to see their boss sit in an air-conditioned office, it can make them feel unvalued. Or, when a manager refuses to allow more breaks during an extra hot summer day, they feel unvalued. Or, when the team does push through those hot temperatures to meet production goals, only for their accomplishments to be ignored, they feel unvalued.
Whether it’s addressing environmental needs, or just showing the team that you’re all in the same boat, valued employees are loyal employees. Show your employees they are valued to regain the best workers.
Communicate with Your Team
Finally, workers that know what is going on and what to expect, are more likely to stick around. Let them know that the changes they requested are happening or, alternatively, why they might need to wait a little longer. “We’re working on” is rarely enough. Explain how the issue is being addressed and help the team set expectations.
For example, during an installation follow-up visit, one of our salespeople got several high-fives and “thank you’s” from the floor personnel. They saw the Moffitt shirt and knew that she was part of the team that was responsible for the new ventilation solution. That is the sign of a manger that communicates well with the team. Not only did they listen about the need for new ventilation, but they also kept the team informed about the installation timetable, and even the company doing the work. Maintaining that open communication helps the team know what to expect, and later, who to thank, making it less likely that they will leave.
Follow our Tips to Keep the Best Workers
Gone are the days of workers tolerating dark, hot, humid factories for an 8- or 10-hour shift. With jobs in brighter, cooler spaces available, they are happy to make the change. In conclusion if your building is hot, humid and uncomfortable, consider upgrading your ventilation system. A happy, comfortable staff is a loyal, productive staff, and better working conditions is one of the best ways to keep the best workers.