4 Effective Strategies to Boost Employee Engagement in Manufacturing

In the manufacturing industry, non-desk workers make up a significant portion of the workforce, and their engagement directly influences the success of operations. 

These employees are on the front lines of production, quality control, and safety, making their commitment essential to achieving company objectives. 

Investing in strategies to engage these employees not only boosts morale but also fosters innovation and a positive workplace culture that drives better overall company performance.

Challenges with Employee Engagement in Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies often face unique hurdles when engaging non-desk employees. Common challenges include:

• High Turnover Rates: With 62% of manufacturing organizations reporting increased turnover year over year (source), frequent employee loss disrupts operations and raises recruiting and training costs.
• Limited Digital Communication Access: Frontline workers may lack access to emails or internal platforms, leading to feelings of disconnection from company updates and initiatives.
• Safety Concerns: Disengaged employees might overlook safety protocols, increasing accident risks. Engaged employees are 78% more likely to have higher safety records (source).
• Heavy Workload and Inconsistent Scheduling: Labor shortages and a lack of qualified workers often lead to overburdened employees and irregular schedules. This not only affects productivity but also diminishes employee morale and engagement.

Benefits of Improved Employee Engagement in Manufacturing

Enhancing employee engagement among non-desk workers offers tangible benefits:

• Increased Productivity and Efficiency: Companies with highly engaged teams experience up to 70% higher productivity rates (research).
• Enhanced Job Satisfaction and Morale: When employees feel valued and see how their contributions align with company goals, job satisfaction rises, fostering a supportive work environment.
• Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover: Engaged workforces see lower absenteeism and turnover rates, reducing turnover by up to 70% (study), saving on hiring and training costs.

1. Use Technology for Engagement

By adopting technology and using effective communication tools, like SMS messaging, instant alerts, surveys, and accessible HR updates, you can connect with your non-desk manufacturing employees and enhance engagement. Focusing on engaging non-desk employees through technology helps overcome barriers and fosters better communication.

Use SMS Messaging and Instant Alerts

SMS messaging and instant alerts keep employees informed in real time, even if they don't have regular access to email or apps. Mobile communication tools enable you to:

• Send important updates—such as safety protocols and company news—directly to employees' phones via SMS.
• Ensure all staff, including those on the factory floor without smartphone or app access, receive timely information.
• Facilitate two-way communication, allowing employees to share feedback and ideas easily through text messages.

By using SMS-based communication platforms, you create an environment where everyone stays connected and informed, allowing you to engage non-desk workers regardless of their access to technology.

Conduct Employee Surveys and Provide HR Updates

Regular surveys help you understand employee sentiments and address concerns promptly. Use:

• Annual employee engagement surveys to track engagement over time.
• Pulse surveys for quick insights into moods and opinions. Consider the differences between Pulse Survey vs Engagement Survey to choose the right tool for your needs.
• Surveys at different career stages to identify specific challenges.

Regularly collecting feedback enables you to act on employee survey results effectively. Providing HR updates through accessible channels keeps employees informed about policies, benefits, and opportunities. Transparent communication builds trust and strengthens engagement across your organization. Using a survey results template can help you effectively communicate findings to your team.

2. Connect Work to Company Goals

Helping employees see how their roles contribute to the company's success can boost engagement.

Align Roles with Company Objectives

Showing employees how their work makes a difference connects their roles to company goals. Share stories that highlight the importance of each position. For example, customer testimonials can illustrate how your products impact end users, helping employees see the value of their work.

Regular communication is key. Daily meetings can:

• Reiterate production goals and company objectives.
• Share production and project updates.
• Recognize team milestones and individual contributions on the shop floor.
• Provide a platform for questions and suggestions.

By keeping everyone informed, your team understands how their tasks influence overall outcomes.

Promote Transparency and Open Communication

Transparency and effective communication in the workplace build trust and foster a sense of ownership among employees. Share information about company performance and involve workers in discussing business goals and challenges.

Encourage managers to maintain open communication channels. Provide opportunities for employees to voice their ideas and concerns. When your team feels informed and valued, they're more likely to be invested in the company's success. Effective employee communication is essential in the workplace, strengthening relationships and improving collaboration.

3. Improve Workplace Environment and Culture

Enhancing the workplace environment and culture creates a positive and productive atmosphere, boosting engagement.

Foster Social Opportunities and Community

Building a strong sense of community in the workplace can improve employee engagement. Organize team-building activities and events to help employees connect. Consider hosting regular social gatherings, such as company lunches, off-site retreats, or other engaging activities like a Halloween costume contest or a free donut day, to encourage interaction beyond daily tasks. You can even add social activities via SMS, like sharing book recommendations.

Creating employee resource groups based on common interests can also foster a supportive community. These groups provide a platform for employees to share ideas and collaborate on projects outside their usual roles. By fostering social opportunities, you help your team feel more connected and valued.

4. Implement Performance-Based Incentives

Offering performance-based incentives aligned with clear goals can boost employee engagement in manufacturing.

Set Performance Metrics and Goals

Set specific, measurable targets like production quotas, quality benchmarks, or safety records. By defining clear performance metrics, you provide employees with tangible goals to strive for. Implement incentives such as:

• Team bonuses for meeting production targets.
• Safety incentives for maintaining accident-free periods.
• Profit-sharing schemes tied to company performance.

For example, introducing production target bonuses can encourage teams to collaborate and increase output.

Implement Recognition and Reward Systems

Recognizing employees for their hard work boosts morale and fosters a positive environment. Establish a peer recognition program where employees can acknowledge each other's efforts. Management should highlight these recognitions to show appreciation and connect workers who may feel isolated. Simple gestures like celebrating achievements or providing small rewards can make a big difference in engagement levels. For instance, implementing a cash-based reward program for punctual attendance is an effective way to reduce absenteeism while recognizing employees' dedication and hard work.

Engage Your Workforce with Yourco's SMS Solutions

Investing in employee engagement strategies benefits your non-desk workforce and enhances your company's performance. Yourco offers SMS-based communication solutions designed for manufacturing environments, helping you overcome common challenges and build a more connected and productive team. Try Yourco for free today or schedule a demo and see the difference the right workplace communication solution can make in your company.