Soar to Success December 2020

Although there are plenty of businesses that can successfully implement work-from-home policies, manufacturers don’t often have this luxury. Some manufacturers have had to shut down or furlough their employees due to government restrictions or a slowdown in orders, while others can’t keep up with the demand for their essential supplies. Not only are manufacturing and supply chain operations being disrupted, but many new challenges have appeared that need business leaders’ immediate attention. Issues including worker absences, restricted site access, virtual collaboration, travel limitations, mental and physical fatigue, and adapting to new working methods are just a few. Manufacturers must act now if they want to preserve the integrity of their operations while By Lisa Ryan Maintaining Productivity And Focus In Manufacturing During COVID-19 protecting their people. As organizations prepare to ramp up operations, they will have to plan new ways of working in a post-COVID world. Here are three ways to get started. Protect your people. Because repeated outbreaks are a persistent threat in a plant environment, focus on implementing operating procedures, hygiene measures, physical distancing parameters, processes, and tools (including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to help keep workers safe). Establish two-way communication channels to address employees’ concerns and look for ways to become more flexible. With all the pandemic’s stress, protecting employees’ mental health is also a top priority. Providing flexible shifts, counseling services, and