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 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 paid time off can help companies transition to new-normal operations.
Communicate early and often. It is vitally important that your communication includes sharing information about how your company protects both the employees and your organization. Keep your messages positive and focused on best-practices rather than always trying to address misinformation. There’s enough fearmongering going on right now, so taking a positive approach is the more effective way to communicate.
Creating a two-way communication channel where employees can ask for and receive their supervisors’ responses helps alleviate fear and uncertainty. Having short, check-in meetings every morning is an excellent way to see where your employees are coming from and address their issues before the “grapevine” takes over.
Prepare for the future. As businesses ramp up production, they also need to take a longer-term view and think through the post-pandemic implications. Incorporating a more flexible workforce and a digitally-enabled workplace, rethinking your supply chains, offering more digital channels and e-commerce platforms are just a few of the ways to stay ahead of the upcoming changes.
Although it’s understandable to want to become more risk-averse in this uncertain environment, these are the times to look for ways to innovate and take some risks to move your business forward. Even if you don’t want to go all out and change everything, look for ways to implement incremental innovation and process improvements. Baby steps, done over time, can lead to long-term changes that keep your business alive and thriving.
The manufacturing landscape is changing quickly in response to COVID-19. As you partner with your employees, vendors, and customers through these new experiences, you will retain your talent, maximize your relationships, and increase your productivity.
