Boosting the productivity of front-line workers is a major challenge for leaders in industries where employees must be on-site. Maintaining output is important, but it takes a thoughtful and balanced approach to manage this without negatively impacting morale.
Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council offer effective strategies for enhancing productivity while keeping the well-being of front-line teammates in mind. The recommendations below can help manufacturing leaders cultivate an on-site work environment that benefits both employees and the bottom line.
1. Include Teams In Leadership Meetings
Allow the team to attend meetings to share insights with leadership and feel like they are a part of the decision-making processes for their areas of function. When employees feel as if they don’t matter, the morale will always be low on the front line. Ensuring that the team feels valued is more important than leaders understand sometimes. – Dr. Demoine Kinney, D Kinney Research, Development and Consulting , LLC
2. Develop Micro-Feedback Loops
Leaders can enhance productivity by creating “micro-feedback loops” where front-line workers regularly share real-time insights on workflow improvements. This system empowers employees to address challenges as they arise, fostering a dynamic, responsive environment that both increases efficiency and strengthens their sense of contribution to the organization’s success. – Dr. Adil Dalal, Pinnacle Process Solutions, Intl., LLC
3. Encourage Innovation
Based on my manufacturing experience in the automobile industry, leaders can boost productivity and morale with a “front-line innovation hub” where workers propose and test workflow improvements. Recognizing impactful ideas fosters ownership and engagement. This approach taps into employees’ expertise, enhancing efficiency while building trust and collaboration. – Kiran Mann, M2M Business Solutions Inc.
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4. Practice Active Listening
A key step leaders can take is to actively listen to front-line workers’ needs and challenges. As a leader, your reaction to someone’s concerns determines their trust in you. By implementing worker feedback, you show value for their input, address pain points and create a culture of trust, leading to higher morale and improved productivity. – Sariki Abungwo, Blesatech Consultancy Services
5. Celebrate Success Metrics Being Achieved
Have clear metrics for success, and then publicly reward employees who achieve those metrics. For example, if safety is a goal, then it’s important to measure the number of days without any accidents and provide recognition when a particular milestone is hit, such as 100 accident-free days. Rewards could include financial bonuses and being recognized in a company meeting or newsletter. – Sara Conant, a)plan coaching
6. Invest In The People Closest To The Work
Teach front-line workers the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) cycle or invest in a Lean Six Sigma program and equip them to act as change agents. Investing in the people who are closest to the work can help identify process variations and waste that can result in rework or rejection. Not only can this investment boost morale, but it can also help create a culture of continuous improvement and identify future leaders. – Sheri Nasim, Center for Executive Excellence
7. Promote An Open, Safe Environment
Leaders can create a safe work environment where employees feel encouraged to raise issues, even if it means pausing the flow of work. This sends a signal of trust and respect, and from a productivity standpoint, it’s better to address problems early on than to find defects later, especially with the customer. – Martina Kuhlmeyer, Martina Kuhlmeyer Coaching and Consulting
8. Listen To And Act On Front-Line Ideas
Check in and proactively ask for ideas. Some of the best ideas come from the front line because people see how things actually work. When people see that leaders truly listen and enact some of their ideas, no matter how small, they feel valued. Leaders who take time to listen, validate concerns and share the thinking behind decisions demonstrate care, interest and respect. – Laura Flessner, Mindtap
9. Solve Problems Through Collaboration
Collaborate on small projects together that improve employees’ skills and business operations. Start by identifying a problem that affects front-line teams, then walk through the process to identify potential root causes of the problem. The team can implement a solution that addresses the root cause and fixes the problem permanently, versus a temporary fix that only addresses the symptoms. – Karlo Tanjuakio, GLSS
10. Respect And Value Employees As Individuals
Respect and value manufacturing and other industry employees as intelligent and unique human beings with non-work lives who cannot check all struggles and emotions “at the door” and deserve to work in safe, harassment-free environments where they feel seen, heard and valued. Their work is essential to their industries and a healthy economy. Please don’t treat them as dispensable or replaceable. – Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions®
11. Get Out On The Line And Stay Involved
Get out on the line to observe, ask questions and provide support as much as possible. The best results and relationships happen when the barrier between the front lines and the back office is blurred. – Ed Brzychcy, Lead from the Front
12. Take Time To Understand Your Employees
Know each of your employees and their strengths, family situations and what they like most about the work they perform, and then provide clear expectations. It is typically not a one-size-fits-all process, so your capacity to customize their role—when it is appropriate—can result in higher engagement and retention. – Susan Curtin, Insights4results,LLC
13. Support Employees’ Continuous Growth
Invest in employees’ continuous development, both personal and professional, while aligning their goals with the organization’s. Create clear career paths that show front-line workers how they can progress from their current positions. This approach not only improves productivity, but also boosts morale by demonstrating the company’s commitment to employee growth and long-term success. – Ula Ojiaku, Mezahab Group
14. Introduce Real-Time Process Improvements
Implement “on-the-spot innovation boards” where front-line workers can propose real-time solutions to improve processes and see their ideas acted on quickly. For instance, a worker might suggest a tweak to assembly-line flow that saves minutes per product—small wins that add up. By valuing their expertise and giving them direct influence, leaders create a culture of ownership and positive pride. – Alla Adam, Adam Impact Institute
15. Optimize Workflows With Employee Input
Involving front-line workers in scheduling and optimizing workflows reduces inefficiencies, boosts productivity and respects employees’ time. Using tools for shift swaps, accommodating personal needs and simplifying tasks based on feedback shows workers they’re valued. This approach improves morale while ensuring operations align with on-the-ground realities. – Maryam Daryabegi, Innovation Bazar
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