Take these Steps to Achieve Work-Life Balance in Manufacturing
Employers fear burnout as much as employees do. Your goal is to obtain a stable work-life balance in manufacturing that is achievable by taking these steps.
Manufacturing is one of the last industries to adapt to a work-life balance schedule for employees.
The nature of manufacturing is hands-on and most of the work cannot be done from home with a computer. As unemployment rates drop, workers have more choices that fit their schedule.
Use these steps so you can maximize your talent and prevent burnout.
Schedule Changes
The manufacturing space will never get rid of workers in the warehouses physically moving and assembling parts. Repetitive and tedious tasks may not be difficult, but the brain often needs rest or a different pace.
Try making some schedule changes.
Look for opportunities to trade shifts for a few weeks. The change doesn’t have to be permanent, but it might be nice for a different pace.
You will become aware of issues and success on other shifts. This makes you a more understanding and educated worker.
The hours you have in place may not fit with most schedules.
Workforces with lots of children should have shift changes happen at 4:00 PM. This allows the first shift to make arrangements for their kids to be picked up or watched for a short period, while the second shift has time to pick up children before work.
Tell your employer you would rather arrive early in the morning so you can leave earlier in the day.
It doesn’t hurt to conduct a listening session so management understands the needs and concerns of the workforce. You may have ideas that interest them.
Working Different Shifts
Not everyone is looking for the stability of a consistent shift.
Creating shift flexibility offers plenty of advantages. You may be a knowledgeable semi-retired worker who is skilled with a piece of machinery and looking for flexibility to travel.
There are also veterans with special skills from the military looking for new opportunities and require lots of shift trading.
If you’re a full-time employee who has mastered a job, ask to work different shifts that hold different responsibilities. You will become a more valuable asset to the company.
If you have a newborn baby, working different shifts and trading after parental leave will keep your job skills sharp as you transition back to a regular schedule.
Working different shifts and trading shifts may be what you need to run errands or take care of sick kids during the day.
Shorter Week
Depending on your industry, you might be able to work a shorter week to earn balance.
If you have the option, weigh the pros and cons to determine if your skillset allows you to continue working efficiently.
A shorter workweek means longer shifts in a day, but you may find working 10 hours a day for four days more attractive to get an extra off-day.
You may want to get a consensus from your team and track the response of your managers before making a radical change like this.
Use These Steps For Improved Work-life Balance
Manufacturing has long been a rigid and inflexible industry. You can revolutionize your life by using these steps to improve work-life balance.
Don’t get stuck in the same cycle or you’ll reach burnout and leave.
If you need opportunities to help fit a flexible schedule, contact us for professional placement services.
