May 2023 Volume 5

OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

A Hybrid Work Environment in Manufacturing Thoughts and Insights from FIA Members

There have long been labor and workforce issues in manufacturing, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these issues, manufacturingwas already preparing for evolution with industry 4.0 technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and other technical advancements. These updates have introduced new capabilities and reshaped the manufacturing work environment, and in some cases these developments raised expectations for innovation and productivity. When the pandemic hit, this shift was emphasized, and it accelerated the change in how we work. Companies were forced to reevaluate how their facilities operate and how the next generation will do business in the future. So, with the aforementioned robotic and digital technologies being put into place, what is happening to the

human workforce? And how are we as an industry adjusting to post-pandemic labor challenges? Forging Industry Feedback In a survey of representatives from the Forging Industry Association standing committees 45% said that their company currently offers remote work options for employees, while an additional 20% cited that some special circumstances allow certain positions the flexibility to work remote. While some individuals draw a hard line and say that hybrid or remote work doesn’t work in a manufacturing environment. A majority of those surveyed (70%) stated that they believe hybrid or remote work in the manufacturing industry is here to stay.

The Cons Some of the negatives referenced regarding allowing the option to work remotely included a lack of collaboration and interpersonal communication, trouble managing teams, struggles with training and onboarding staff, employees taking advantage of the system, distractions at home, and difficulty maintaining company culture and comradery. “Some people abuse the system,” said one respondent, and they cited some other cons such as “the company will need to invest in equipment, you end up working longer hours and it is difficult to disconnect, and (when working remotely) it is easy to be multitasking and not paying attention to remote meetings.” The Pros On the other side of the debate, survey respondents revealed insights into the upside of allowing the option of hybrid or remote work. Some of the positives shared include relief for employees from commute and savings in gas/car maintenance, financial savings for company (such as less overhead at facility/office), accommodation for life issues (for example, an employee or child being sick), and it can be seen as a strategy for employee retention and attracting a younger workforce. One respondent stated, “I think the biggest advantage of it is the flexibility to work through adverse conditions. An injury that would keep you at home does not have to keep you from work. Also living in the snow belt waking up to feet of snow is not uncommon, so working from home on those days is a nice alternative to driving though such conditions.”

Danielle Smith, Finkl Steel What is your company’s current policy regarding hybrid and remote work? We require a minimum of three days in the office and two optional work from home days, at the manager’s discretion. What has been the biggest challenge in implementing a hybrid work environment in a manufacturing business? First, the loss of accountability compared to the 8-5 hours in the

office. I feel like there are a lot of departments that can easily abuse the privilege of working from home. Although customer service and availability are commonly considered to be a focus for the Sales Team, it should also be a focus for other departments whose customers are the Sales Team, Production Team, etc. Departments who help keep the business running should be accountable for working during hours that require their support. And second, the idea that some departments are not able to work from home, while others are, creates some animosity. When you make things a managerial discretion, people are going to easily assume that they are being isolated if they are not deemed to be “as efficient” as others from home. The assumption is that people are self-aware, but that’s not always the case and leaves decisions up for interpretation by individuals. What response have you seen from your employees about the remote work option? I find that a lot of people like to remove the commute to work. This makes a difference in their day-to-day lives, and it feels as if they can work around things like being sick or bad weather.

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2023 58