Companies in different industries have all felt COVID-19’s attacks. There have been shutdowns around the world, and people are urged to stay at home. This has drastically affected the global supply chain. Companies are forced to adjust to these protocols while keeping the business afloat.
Companies that deal with manufacturing are among those who have been greatly affected by COVID-19. Employee safety and health are a priority. However, industry leaders must know how to continue with operations while keeping every employee safe. Adhering to social distancing standards is a must, too.
While it has been a year since these lockdowns, adjusting is still a challenge for many companies. These changes should be sustainable, as the effects of the pandemic are seen to last for a few more years. Here are tips to change manufacturing operations while the world is still under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update the workspace
In manufacturing, employees often share the same tools. They also gather in the same area to do work. However, social distancing is a must even in the workplace. Updating the workspace would help employees be more productive even when they are distanced from one another. You can look for additional manufacturing and warehouse equipment for sale so that you can double the number of tools that people can use for better productivity.
Aside from implementing disinfecting stations, workspaces should also be redesigned to accommodate lesser people in common spaces. Barriers could also help to reduce crowding in some spots. These simple updates can keep everyone safe while at work.
Create a touch-free design for specific tasks to encourage social distancing
This depends on the flow of your facility. However, you may want to consider having “touch-free” areas or tasks to encourage employees about the value of social distancing. You can appoint a leader to consolidate processes on the floor. This will limit unnecessary contact among employees while in the workshop.
Keep communication lines open
Communication is essential in the business, even in the absence of COVID-19. Employees should always be updated in changes that are linked to their work. This could include volume expectations, quality control, and even product changes.
As things are uncertain because of what is happening around us, company leaders should always communicate with employees with clarity and intent. Have short but frequent meetings where you can share information about new procedures in your operations. This will also serve as a channel for your employees to communicate challenges in the workplace.
Having these communication channels can help build support among team members. It also shows employees how the company cares for the work that they do. These communication tools can help people feel connected even if others are working remotely or on-site.
Offer flexible working options
When things do not go as planned, project managers have to find solutions to avoid production delays. Glitches are a common part of the production, and improvising is part of the job. This same mindset should be implemented in workplace operations while the world is under COVID-19. There will be many unprecedented situations that will put employees in a difficult situation.
Look for options to change schedules and workflow to reduce social contact between employees. Other companies implement shorter workdays or have different subshifts in order to reduce the number of people on the floor. There are companies who stagger breaks to limit unnecessary interactions, too.
If an employee is not needed on-site, they should be offered the option to work remotely. Some companies allow employees to work extra hours so that they can be free for a different day. These options offer flexibility without compromising workplace productivity.
Train employees on new procedures
Building social distancing protocols is a challenge in the workplace. However, the team must be committed to doing such to ensure workplace safety. Your training or HR team can perform training sessions that explain the importance of these health protocols. Lessons on handwashing, dressing, and proper sanitizing of equipment should also be given to crew members.
COVID-19 has undeniable long-term effects on manufacturing and distribution in the global supply chain. For companies to protect their employees and the business, it is essential to implement sustainable distancing updates in the warehouse. The goal is to eliminate your employees’ possible exposure to the virus.
Implementing these changes in your operations can help your workplace healthy and compliant. As the threat of COVID-19 still exists, prevention is better than cure. Keep your company fully-operational by adhering to government mandates and CDC regulations. Don’t forget to mask up, wash your hands, and stay safe.
