The Need for Workplace Development in a Machine shop
These challenging times for business are reflected as much in challenges for staff. A top-level machine shop will recognize the need for employee feedback, training, and appropriate staff hiring to complement an existing team. The need for workplace development in a machine shop is always beneficial to move a business forward, but these last many months have proven this to be even more important to build a resilient team.
Clear Values
Beginning at the hiring process, be sure you have a clear definition of your company values. This allows you to find the right people that believe in your mission and purpose as a company. Each machine shop will have its own approach to client service, quality, and market niche. Finding people that are the right fit from the onset is of huge value.
Consider if your primary focus is productivity or safety, for example. These values must be clearly represented to staff for a unified approach to everything from client care to operations.
Clear Goals
On the shop floor or in the sales or design department setting specific goals is necessary. Clarify who is responsible and accountable for results. Set out procedures (and training) for operations. Although tasks and goals should be clear and constant, managing people can be a little different. Being flexible in your approach based on employee assets and communication style can be a big factor in comprehension of those goals.
It is a common practice for various departments to focus only on their own goals, but IT, engineering, sales, and the shop floor all must work together and understand their individual part in upholding the company values. Communication is key for management to convey the importance of this.
Interpersonal conflict can be hard to spot because people can react through avoidance or compromise but still be resentful, affecting overall performance. Avoidance, for example, presents as lack of interest, or lack of cooperation. Conflicts must be resolved for efficiency and consistency in performance. Having clear expectations and goals is helpful in setting the standards that avoid such behavior.
