Automation Personnel Services, Inc. recognizes, especially in the electronics or plastics manufacturing industry, that second- and third-shift employees have a tendency to feel like they are second-class citizens within the workplace. When in fact, second- and third-shift workers actually fill a valuable role when it comes to upholding production deadlines, meeting manufacturing schedules and accommodating evolving or inconsistent timelines.

Like the game of telephone, company-wide information and important details and messages pertaining to their job productivity often don’t make it to the end of the last shift. With that in mind, Automation Personnel Services, Inc. offers a number of steps an employer can take in order to improve better communication and to ensure all of their employees, including temporary workers and all applicable shift teams, truly feel like they are a part of your company’s culture and team.

Keep Employees Informed

Often, company news and other announcements can get lost in the shuffle between shifts. While you’ll typically deliver such briefings at the start of the first shift of each day, it can be all too easy to forget to repeat the announcement for later shifts. Making sure that all of your employees are informed of the recent news surrounding your company is essential to the long-term productivity of your team. You should take every step necessary in order to make sure that you remember to repeat daily news and announcements for the benefit of every single shift.

You’ll also want to make sure that you are providing your employees with valuable news that pertains to their specific duties. Providing information on the functionality of equipment, circulating key performance indicators and even highlighting personnel changes is all useful information that should be known by all of your staff members.

Maintain an Open-Door Policy

Just as you would for your subordinates, teammates and peers that are on the same shift, you should also maintain an open-door policy for those who aren’t on your regularly scheduled shift. This may be a little harder to accomplish, especially without face-to-face interaction, but company newsletters, bulletin boards and even emails are all great solutions to overcoming the lack of face-to-face communications. These are great methods to help address any comments, questions or concerns that may arise from any shift.  (Click Here to read more from Automation Personnel Services about communicating with a multi-generational workforce.)

Offer As Much Workplace Flexibility as Possible

If your second- or third-shift workers are open to it, and if the opportunity presents itself, you may consider giving these employees the chance to switch shifts. Giving your team members some amount of input toward their day-to-day scheduling can go a long way in making them feel right at home with your company.

Try to provide your second- and third-shift workers with all of the same benefits, perks, bonuses and amenities as your first-shift workers. (Did you know that Automation can offer a complete benefits package to your temporary employees?) The same goes with any company-sponsored exercise programs, wellness plans or recreational events. Also, if you have an internal cafeteria that provides lunch for your first-shifters, for example, try opening it up at other times of the day to accommodate those on other shifts.

Partner with a Leader in U.S. Staffing Agencies

Automation Personnel Services, Inc. is one of the largest staffing firms in the U.S., with locations covering much of the country. Contact our great team today to discuss our one of a kind staffing services and work with a staffing agency with a proven record of meeting any staffing solution of your company.