Is your manufacturing firm struggling with employee retention? If so, the inflexible schedules might be why.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 322,000 separations in the manufacturing industry in December 2024. Rigid schedules that do not allow employees control over their time contribute to elevated stress levels and burnout.
Millennials and Gen Z, who comprise half the workforce, desire more control over their work schedules to better structure their daily activities. As a result, the traditional 40-hour workweek and required overtime discourage younger generations from working in manufacturing.
Benefits of Flexible Work Arrangements in Manufacturing
Letting manufacturing employees choose their shifts, offering part-time roles, and allowing schedule adjustments can help meet production needs and reduce employee burnout. The benefits include:
- Safety: Flexible work arrangements allow adequate time for rest. Well-rested employees decrease the risk of mistakes and injuries.
- Productivity: Employees who choose shifts that fit their lifestyles tend to be focused, energized, and hard-working.
- Job satisfaction: Controlling their time helps employees enjoy their work.
- Employee attraction and retention: Flexible work arrangements show you trust your employees. Employees who control their time typically remain long-term.
- Financial savings: Reduced turnover lowers hiring, onboarding, and training costs.
Steps to Implement Flexible Work Arrangements in Manufacturing
These steps can help you implement flexible work arrangements for your manufacturing firm:
Gain employee buy-in
Tie flexible work arrangements to production goals. For instance, show employees how flexibility improves productivity, performance, and retention. Also, link production targets and employee turnover to bonuses and reviews to encourage collaboration and cohesion.
Analyze employee absenteeism and turnover data
Break down your workforce data by shift, department, and role to uncover and resolve turnover-related issues. Focus on the following questions:
- Where are your top issues?
- Do specific departments have high absenteeism?
- Do certain shifts have high turnover?
- How do temp workers’ performance compare to full-time employees’ performance?
Test flexible work arrangements in entry-level roles
Implement flexible work arrangements for entry-level roles in the area with the highest potential impact. For instance, modify the job descriptions to include a part- or full-time schedule with opportunities to swap shifts or take paid time off (PTO). Also, offer half-shifts to attract additional demographics such as college students, stay-at-home parents, and semi-retirees.
Implement schedule management technology
Integrate technology for employees to manage their schedules, swap shifts, and work overtime. The dashboard shows managers and the human resources team which employees are covering shifts, available to work, and taking time off.
Work with a manufacturing staffing agency
Partner with a manufacturing staffing agency to hire temporary workers to cover production shifts when needed. Experienced temporary workers can quickly begin producing to support smooth business operations. Hiring these workers costs significantly less than over-hiring employees to ensure shift coverage.
Partner with a Manufacturing Staffing Agency
Discover how Cardinal Staffing Services can help you implement the best staffing solutions. Find out more today.