by Lina Martinez
https://unsplash.com/photos/-fGqsewtsJY
In this world, we need all of the different facets to be running smoothly and operating on time. Without this systematic and borderline robotic approach to the working world, our societies would probably not be anywhere near what they are now. We’re in this fairly comfortable situation now due to the word work and efficiency of everything and everyone.
One of the biggest, if not the biggest contributors to the world in a professional sense, is the manufacturing side. The things we use on a day-to-day basis do not just get plucked out of thin air, after all. We take for granted this kind of thing, because all we do is head into a shop, pick something up, and hand over the money. We don’t really take into account the hard graft that was put in to fabricate the product out of almost nothing.
We all need to have an element of efficiency in our lives, and the same applies to this particular area of work. If these guys and girls never produced the output necessary, then many goods would have never reached us. It’s all down to the hard work and the smart ways that they got things done.
With all that said, if you’re the owner of a manufacturing firm, then you’re going to be constantly on your toes in terms of finding the best methods of keeping efficiency and productivity up. It’s a job that is never finished due to the fact that there’s always room for improvement. It’s also never finished because human beings are flawed and will drop below their usual standards from time to time – they can’t be expected to operate at a speedy level all of the time.
Because of the technical side of our existence, people are always going to be looking for ways to increase efficiency – even if it results in tiny, marginal gains. But there are also things that we can do that are super simple and yet so effective. If you’ve got a group of employees that are fab at their job but are fluctuating in terms of performance, then you shouldn’t worry too much because that’s completely normal. Here are a few things that you might want to consider, though:
Organize Everything
If everything is in complete disarray, then it’s going to hinder the work that you and your staff do. When we say to organize ‘everything’ we mean everything – collectively and individually. What’s on people’s workstations and what in the halls. When everything is in much better order, then you can function much smoother.
In terms of individuals, each staff member should have everything assembled properly so that they’re good to go. If they have lots of things lying around, then it’s going to take a while to sort everything out. Collectively, the team is going to have to use each other from time to time. If the layout of the area doesn’t suit this kind of thing, then it may take a little longer to get a few things done. The organization factor can make marginal gains, but it may also make a huge difference in terms of output.
Clean Up
This makes a difference in terms of actual human emotions as well as machine maintenance.
Obviously, if the apparatus is dirty, then they could malfunction, and that’s only going to cause problems. If the entire area is a filthy mess, however, then that could literally put employees off of working to the best standard. Nobody wants to be surrounded by muck - make sure everything is cleaned up.
Train The Staff Well
Obviously, when they’re initially recruited, the staff are put through a training regime so that they can work independently without any problems. Often, they’re told what to do, given a few tests, and then sent on their way. They’re given a probation period for the first few months, and if they get past that, then they’re a fully-fledged employee.
But is that enough? Sure, some jobs are fairly straightforward, but perhaps in order to speed them up, you need to boost their skills. Maybe introducing a specific training day once every few months could help them out a little. It doesn’t have to be exclusively about the job they do day-in-day-out either; it could be communication, teamwork, and other work-based necessities.
Have A Set Way Of Doing Things
It might seem a little rigid, and a lot of people like to work their own way, but have a specific guide might make the day more systematic and, thus, more efficient. Drilling a particular philosophy or a specific method into someone might be a little difficult at first, but if it means they do everything by the book and are molded into your vision, then it might work wonders.
Invest In Great Tech
It’s 2019; there are thousands of amazing systems on this planet now. If you have the funds, then it might be wise to throw some money at brilliant software programs and other fantastic gadgets. For example, if you need to monitor the production of certain products or the machine that they’re created on, then you could install an Andon System to report any issues. You could also buy some management software that allows you to easily map out how the day/week/month will go.
Set Goals
Motivation is always something that people will need. It’s always something that people will lose every now and again, too. Something as simple as this can stunt the productivity of your entire group. But, funnily enough, something as simple as setting a goal or two every day can boost it back to where it belongs. We all like to feel a sense of achievement at completing something or winning, so make it happen every day! Working towards something that you know is within your grasp is very addictive because it’s right there for you to take.
Boost Morale
Finally, if the place is a happy camp, then the work is going to be much more entertaining, and it’ll get done quicker. Make everyone feel good. Encourage positive vibes and try not to let the place become a dreary and miserable area. You’d be surprised by how much of a positive impact it could have on everything.