We frequently hear of work environments that are flexible, quality centred, production centred and so on. Quality centred production system is the famous Lean Operations system where the focus is on improving the processes so that the quality of the output improves.
An industrial working environment that is better than a lean environment, can help improve productivity, meet present-day challenges, keep employees spirited and productive, and reduce waste, is one that is human-centered.
A human-centered work environment (HCWE) is one that puts the needs of the employees first. Even though this may contradict with the belief that customers are demigods and are to be satisfied forstbefore the employees, the employees are the main factor that ensures the uninterrupted production on the shop floor. It is an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. It is an environment where employees have a voice and are empowered to make decisions. It is an environment where employees are encouraged to be creative and innovative.
Here are some specific ways to create a human-centered work environment:
- Provide employees with the training and resources they need to be successful. This includes providing employees with the opportunity to learn new skills and to develop their careers.
- Give employees a voice in decision-making. This includes involving employees in the planning and implementation of new initiatives.
- Create a culture of collaboration and teamwork. This includes encouraging employees to work together towards common goals.
- Provide employees with opportunities for growth and development. This includes offering employees opportunities to move into new roles and to take on new challenges. This can also involve special training before taking on added responsibilities of the new job role.
- Recognize and reward employee achievements. This shows employees that their hard work is appreciated.
A human-centered work environment can help to improve productivity and meet present-day challenges in the following ways:
- Improved employee morale and engagement. Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to be engaged in their work and to be productive. They are also willing to help and collaborate better with their colleagues to ensure that the whole team wins.
- Increased creativity and innovation.
Employees who are empowered to make decisions and who have a voice in
the workplace are more likely to be creative and innovative. Besides they are also ready to take responsibility for their actions.
- Reduced turnover and absenteeism. Employees who are satisfied with their jobs are less likely to leave the company or to take sick days.
- Improved customer service. Employees who are happy and engaged are more likely to provide excellent customer service.
Waste continues to be the most noticeable extra cost and effort component on the shop floor. A human-centered work environment can also help to reduce waste in the following ways:
- Reduced errors. Employees who are properly trained and who have the resources they need are less likely to make mistakes.
- Reduced rework. Employees who are involved in the planning and implementation of new initiatives are less likely to need to rework their work.
- Reduced scrap. Employees who are empowered to make decisions and who have a voice in the workplace are more likely to be able to identify and prevent waste.
- Improved motivation of workers on the shop floor manning the processes and machines
Overall, a human-centered work environment is a better industrial working environment than a lean environment because it is more sustainable in the long term. A human-centered work environment can help to improve productivity, meet present-day challenges, keep employees spirited and productive, and reduce waste.
