Warehouse work is highly physical, often hot, and even dangerous. Many jobs are repetitive, and it’s easy for employees to get burned out. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take to boost morale and keep your workers happy and productive. Here are some tips.
Empower Your Employees
No one likes being micromanaged. As much as possible, focus on milestones rather than time on the clock. Make sure your workers have everything they need to succeed and then stop looking over their shoulders. Most people will live up, or down, to the standards you set for them, so make them feel empowered and trusted.
Play Music
Research shows that warehouse productivity is a stunning 73% higher with music playing. Music can also help to set the tone of the workday, so choose something upbeat when you’re trying to hit a production goal. When tensions are running high, soothing music can help everyone reset their emotions.
Celebrate the Little Things
Celebrating accomplishments breaks up the day, and it helps employees feel valued. Whether someone has a strong safety record or goes above and beyond to help meet a production goal, take a moment to honor that person. You could even hold weekly drawings for small rewards such as gift cards or extra breaks.
Provide Opportunities
Feeling stuck in a dead end job can rapidly lead to burnout. Cross-training gives your workers something new to focus on, helping them feel engaged. It also helps you out, as you never know when a position may need to be covered. The more cross-trained employees you have, the easier it will be to accommodate vacations and sick time. Cross-training also makes it easier for you to recognize employees who have what it takes to move into leadership positions.
Promote Health
You already know how vital safety practices are in a warehouse environment. But to boost employee morale, consider going beyond the basics to promote workers’ health. Provide plenty of rest breaks and encourage everyone to hydrate during those times. Teach stretching exercises to help reduce pain and lower the risk of injury. Consider bringing in an expert now and then to give chair massages or teach simple yoga. Going beyond mandated safety practices lets employees know that you value them and their wellbeing, and are not simply going through the motions.
Warehouse work is tough, and it’s easy for employees to burn out. Following the tips above can boost morale and ultimately build loyalty among your workforce.
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