Managing a manufacturing plant is not just about optimising the production process, it's also essential to consider the human factor. After all, the success of any plant is ultimately dependent on the people who work there.
We often speak to managers in your position who spend a lot of time on the culture and people side of the business. Sometimes it can feel like an endless and thankless task, but it’s always recognised that it’s time well spent in the longer term!
- By involving staff in the improvement process, you can ensure staff understand that their motivations and needs are incorporated into any plan. For example, a change in rota may be required for efficiency but not if it is detrimental to the morale of staff. A short term win is not long lasting if staff are negatively impacted!
- Engaged staff know the production line. They’re in the line of fire so to speak and have valuable insights and ideas for improving the plant's performance. Why not leverage this experience to improve processes and assist with the problem solving process? By shining a light on staff, it fosters a sense of pride (and healthy competition) that benefits the whole organisation.
- Staff satisfaction and motivation are critical factors in a plant's success. By giving staff more autonomy and a sense of ownership over their work, some of our managers have seen an increase in their productivity and engagement. Some also realised that job security and work-life balance influenced worker satisfaction and retention. Gone are the days of a “job for life” but at the same time, in a world of “zero contract hours”, security is as important as ever.
Staff are not cogs in a machine but valuable contributors to the success of any production line. It's not surprising that involving your team in the improvement process can lead to better results. Making individuals invested in the plant's performance, creates a more sustainable system.
One of Us
We have a great relationship with one production manager who often tells us that he will often “walk the plant” - not to monitor staff but to get “stuck in” and get involved in the work on the production line.
Why?
Well, it’s not to do with an ample amount of time available. While under pressure managing multiple stakeholders, he knows it’s important to recognise the value of going through what his team experiences. Whether that’s frustrations with bottlenecks, delays with deliveries or dealing with problematic and outdated technology….a great manager can directly relate to staff on the floor. This not only builds trust but drives connection and empathy on both sides. A managers’ team sees how busy (s)he is, but acknowledges that they take the time to get involved in the day to day.
“By valuing your workers' professional growth as a vital component of your plant's development, you can better understand its impact on the bottom line”
Consistency - Continuously
Ultimately, nothing works without a commitment to continuous improvement. This makes it essential to continuously monitor the plant's performance and look for ways to improve it, even after overcoming initial crises.
There is always room for positive change, even after tackling and resolving an initial crisis. Creating and implementing systems to monitor the plant's performance and identify new bottlenecks or inefficiencies, you can continuously spot opportunities and potential pitfalls.
Prioritising continuous improvement is crucial for the long-term success of any manufacturing plant. To achieve this, whatever systems are in place to monitor the plant's performance should involve your staff in the improvement process. A production manager must be open to new ideas and approaches.
At the end of the day, it's clear that your plant needs to be ready and willing to change to stay sustainable and profitable. We hope by following these steps, you can create a more efficient, productive, and profitable plant that strives for excellence.
By being practical and realistic, you can optimise the production process, embrace data-driven progress, focus on the well-being of staff, and commit to continuous improvement. By accomplishing these goals, a thriving and sustainable plant can be created that can withstand almost any crisis that may arise.
Driving Talent Acquisition for the Manufacturing Industry
For over a decade, we’ve been at the forefront of connecting top talent with leading manufacturing businesses. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry, and our mission is to deliver exceptional recruitment solutions that drive your success.
With a proven track record of partnering with companies of all sizes, from innovative startups to established industry giants, we possess the expertise to meet your specific staffing needs. Our tailored approach ensures that we identify and attract the most qualified candidates who align with your company culture and strategic goals.
At the heart of our success is a team of industry-focused recruitment specialists. We combine in-depth knowledge of the packaging sector with a passion for finding the perfect fit. Our rigorous recruitment process, coupled with a dedicated training academy, guarantees that our consultants are well-equipped to deliver exceptional results.
By choosing us, you’re investing in a strategic partnership that goes beyond traditional recruitment. We’re committed to helping you build high-performing teams that drive innovation and growth within your organisation.
Let's discuss how we can elevate your talent acquisition strategy.
Phone:0333 307 7777 | Email: enquiries@pioneer-selection.co.uk