Keeping Cool: The Benefit of Climate Controlled Manufacturing Spaces

overheated factory worker in yellow tones. Temperature in factory is 90 degrees F

If you’ve ever worked in a factory where temperatures could soar into the low 80s, you know firsthand how critical climate control is for maintaining productivity and worker morale. It’s not just a comfort issue; it’s about efficiency and safety.

The Heat Problem
In a hot factory, productivity plummets. Workers slow down, mistakes increase, and heat-related illnesses become a real risk. Maintaining a comfortable temperature can enhance both mental and physical performance, creating a safer and more efficient work environment (MDPI).

Historically, factories relied on fans and open windows, but these methods often fell short. During the industrial revolution, mechanized ventilation made its debut, yet it was rudimentary compared to today’s systems. As temperatures rise, the need for advanced climate control is more urgent than ever.

Modern Solutions
Today’s climate control technologies are sophisticated. Microclimate control techniques, such as evaporative cooling and reflective roofing materials, can significantly reduce indoor temperatures (MDPI). These systems are essential for keeping factory environments comfortable even when it’s scorching outside.

Futuristic Approaches
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into climate control systems can provide predictive adjustments based on weather forecasts and indoor activity. AI optimizes energy use, reducing costs while maintaining optimal temperatures (MDPI). Advanced materials that reflect solar radiation or improve insulation also play a crucial role.

Business Impacts
A hot factory isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s costly. Heat can warp materials, slow production lines, and even halt operations if temperatures become unsafe. Investing in climate control can lead to increased productivity, fewer errors, and higher worker satisfaction. Companies that prioritize employee well-being often see reduced turnover rates and attract top talent.

Addressing Climate Change
As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves will increase, putting additional strain on factories. Proactive measures today can mitigate these future risks, ensuring that manufacturing operations remain stable and efficient.

Climate control in manufacturing spaces is a multifaceted solution addressing worker safety, productivity, and business continuity. The adoption of innovative cooling technologies and AI integration will be crucial as we face a warming planet. Investing in these systems not only enhances immediate operational efficiency but also future-proofs manufacturing facilities against the inevitable challenges posed by climate change.

Five Red Flags Your Business Presents to Potential Employees:

an animated image of a woman's hand holding aphone. the phone has a dating app. on the screen is a manufacturer holding a fish (a regular theme on dating apps)

If you look around the room at who makes your manufacturing operation or business successful, you’ll know it’s the people who’ve been with the company for years. Retaining key talent year-after-year is crucial for long term success. As a company that conducts a mind-blowing amount of interviews each year, we know that recruitment process offers a unique insight into a company’s ethos and operational efficiency, which can significantly impact a candidate’s decision to join or bypass an opportunity. For manufacturing business owners, HR personnel, and operators, recognizing potential red flags in the hiring process is crucial. 

We’ll outline five major red flags that could deter prospective employees from saying yes to your offer:

1. Lack of Clear Role Definition and Professional Development Opportunities
Candidates seek roles that promise not only immediate responsibilities but also a clear path for growth and development. An inability to outline the specific duties associated with a position or a vague explanation of career advancement opportunities can signal to candidates that the position might lead to a dead-end or that the company lacks a coherent strategy for employee growth.

2. Questionable Company Culture and Leadership
A company’s culture and its leadership are under close scrutiny during the recruitment process. Signs of a toxic work environment, such as badmouthing current or former employees and competitors or displaying a lack of transparency, can raise significant concerns. Moreover, an uncomfortable interview environment or an interviewer’s unpreparedness may reflect broader issues within the company’s culture and leadership, impacting employee satisfaction and retention.

3. Inflexible Negotiation on Job Offers
Flexibility in negotiating job offers, including salary, benefits, and role specifics, indicates a company’s willingness to accommodate and value a candidate’s worth. An employer’s unwillingness to engage in negotiations or altering the role significantly from what was initially advertised can be perceived negatively by candidates, suggesting a lack of respect and appreciation for their skills and contributions.

4. Inadequate Online Presence and Reputation
In the digital age, a company’s online footprint provides valuable insights into its operations, culture, and industry standing. An outdated or absent online presence, coupled with a poor reputation and high staff turnover as evidenced by negative reviews or the frequent reposting of job listings, can deter potential candidates. These factors may indicate that the company is not keeping pace with industry trends or struggling with internal challenges.

5. Neglect of Candidate Experience Throughout the Hiring Process
The overall candidate experience, from initial contact through the interview process to job offer, speaks volumes about a company’s operational efficiency and respect for prospective employees. Red flags such as a lack of communication transparency, prolonged hiring processes without clear timelines, and unprofessional conduct during interviews can significantly impact a candidate’s perception of the company and their willingness to accept an offer.

split image of a factory with a clean and bright happy setting on the left, and a dark, industrial, smoky setting on the right.

Bonus Entry: Disregard for Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being

A significant red flag for potential employees, especially those under 30,  is a company’s disregard for work-life balance and the overall well-being of its employees. Signs of this include expecting candidates to be available outside of normal working hours, vague or non-existent policies on leave and vacations, and a lack of support for mental health. These indicators can signal to candidates that the company views employees merely as resources rather than as individuals with personal lives and needs. A disregard for work-life balance can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a high turnover rate, which are detrimental to both employees and the company. Recognizing and addressing candidates’ needs for a healthy work-life balance is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

Navigating the recruitment process with a keen eye for potential red flags is not just about avoiding pitfalls; it’s about affirming your company’s commitment to excellence, respect, and mutual growth. In today’s competitive job market, especially in industries like manufacturing that are the backbone of Michigan’s economy and beyond, the ability to attract and retain top talent hinges on more than just the promise of a paycheck. It requires a holistic approach that values the individual, fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth, and champions operational integrity.

 

At WSI, we believe that recognizing these red flags is a crucial step in refining your recruitment process, thereby enhancing your company’s appeal to prospective employees. By committing to these principles, you position your business not only as a leader in your industry but also as a beacon of a positive workplace culture. We are dedicated to guiding our partners through the complexities of recruitment and staffing, ensuring that your company doesn’t just fill positions but builds a thriving community of dedicated professionals who share your vision for success and innovation.

Thursday is the New Friday: The Four-Day Workweek is Coming

rainbow unicorn on a blue couch sitting in a factory----wish you could see this

In the corporate world, particularly in manufacturing, the idea of a four-day workweek can seem as fanciful as a unicorn. But is it really? Let’s dive into this intriguing concept, particularly focusing on the manufacturing sector in America, a realm traditionally resistant to such radical changes due to its nature of work.

The four-day work week has gained traction globally, thanks in part to successful trials in various sectors, and is particularly appealing to younger workers who value a more employee-centered work environment. If forced to return to a five-day week, over 40% of workers indicated they would expect significant raises. This highlights the growing shift towards valuing work-life balance and mental health in the workforce, though the feasibility of a four-day workweek varies significantly across industries.

But manufacturing has been slow on the uptake. Why? The challenges are unique: the physical presence required, the continuous production cycles, and the lack of remote work options. Yet, as a staffing company that ensures our own employees strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance, we see potential in this model, even in our specialty field of manufacturing.

A case in point was made in a recent NPR article about Advanced RV, a luxury motorhome manufacturer in Ohio, which successfully adopted this model. Initially, there was skepticism. Workers like Bill Kowalcic wondered if they could maintain productivity. A year and a half later, the answer is a resounding yes. The key? Finding shortcuts and time savers without compromising quality.

The global trial, led by 4 Day Week Global, suggests that reducing hours while maintaining pay can lead to more energy and efficiency in the workplace. This isn’t about doing less; it’s about maximizing productivity within a compressed timeframe. Advanced RV’s journey illustrates that even in the realm of manufacturing, where the stakes are high and the work physically demanding, this model can work.

The initiative’s success hinges on several factors: a willingness to take risks, trust in the workforce, creativity, and open-mindedness. CEO Mike Neundorfer’s decision to shift to a 32-hour week without pay cuts was a gamble, but it paid off. The company has nearly recovered the initial dip in productivity and has seen a boost in employee satisfaction.

But how does this apply to the wider manufacturing sector, especially larger, more traditional firms? It requires a radical rethinking of operations. We must ask: Are there tools or processes that can be optimized? Can we redistribute tasks based on speed and skill, thereby enhancing efficiency?

The biggest hurdle, however, is cultural. In an industry that often values time spent on the floor over actual output, shifting mindsets is crucial. It’s about quality over quantity and results over hours. This shift can lead to a more motivated, focused workforce, reducing burnout and improving overall well-being.

For larger manufacturers, this might mean a phased approach, perhaps starting with one department or a pilot group. It’s about measuring productivity in outcomes, not hours. The focus should be on what gets done, not how long it takes to do it.  Some have taken to four ten-hour workdays, and bringing in a weekend crew to run three days of twelve-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

two young men sitting in a factory in their blue overalls enjoying sandwiches on a break

An article earlier this year highlighted a manufacturing company that had previously tried a four-day workweek a decade ago without success. However, they revisited the idea due to requests from their deskless workers. The management considered shifting to four 10-hour shifts per week, with employees working either Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday. However, several challenges arose:

  1. Unpopularity of Tuesday-Friday Shifts: No one wanted the Tuesday to Friday shift, but the company needed Friday coverage as they ship products five days a week.
  2. Shift Overlap and Equipment Limitations: The day and night shifts overlapped by 10 minutes, and there wasn’t enough equipment to extend shifts by two hours.
  3. Overtime and Safety Concerns: Extending workdays to 10 hours raised safety concerns due to the physical nature of the job. The company was particularly worried about safety in the additional hours, as the work is physically demanding.

After two months, the company, O.C. Tanner, reverted to its previous system. Despite the unsuccessful attempt, the effort demonstrated to workers that the company valued their input and was willing to explore new work arrangements. This approach underscored the company’s willingness to innovate and adapt, key elements in fostering a positive company culture.

A six-month pilot program in the U.S. and Ireland showed promising results for most companies, with 90% not wanting to return to a five-day week. Despite these benefits, which include improved worker health and productivity, some industries, like manufacturing and service, face unique challenges.

American Plastic Toys Inc. tried the four-day workweek by extending work hours across four days but found a decline in productivity beyond the standard 7.5 to 8-hour shift. Company President John Gessert noted the approach led to a net loss in activity per hour and was physically taxing for employees. The need to ship products five days a week and maintain equipment operations in their factories further complicated the transition.

CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Laura Rea Dickey pointed out the difficulty of adopting such a schedule amidst staffing shortages and the need for maximized productivity. In such industries, reducing work days can lead to income loss for staff dependent on tips. Some restaurants however, aren’t going to go down that road at all, simply eliminating the human element.

Daniel Hamermesh, professor emeritus of economics at the University of Texas and author of a new study about the rise of the four-day workweek, argues that workers are not 100% productive during each minute of the workday anyway and that there are very few jobs where workers can produce the same amount in total while working 20% less. “If a 32-hour week were widespread, the U.S. would produce less, would have lower GDP, and lower living standards,” Hamermesh told FOX Business. “No problem, if people want more leisure and are willing to forego some income. But we can’t have more leisure time—less work—and keep the same income. We can’t get something for nothing.”

Changing to a four-day workweek isn’t going to be easy, and it’s going to shake things up a bit economically. But let’s face it – manufacturing has got to figure this out. The inevitability of this shift is underscored by the preferences of the younger workforce; without a meaningful work-life balance, we risk seeing a mass exodus from the manufacturing sector in the coming years. As we stand at this crossroads, it’s essential to recognize that adapting to a shorter workweek could be the key to sustaining our industry’s future. They want a life outside of work, and who can blame them? So, maybe it’s time we seriously consider making Thursday the new Friday. It’s not just a catchy phrase; it could be what keeps our factories humming with happy, motivated workers in the years to come.