Increasing productivity in physical labor jobs

Post date: 2021-05-07 01:46:04

I lead a team whose success requires energetically loading and unloading 50 lb items from delivery vehicles. Because of my personal history, I have great anxiety around telling people they need to move their bodies faster. But, employee physical effort is a key issue preventing us from reaching our goals. Please offer me perspective on this.

Ultimately, if employees aren't able to reach daily productivity targets, then the job isn't right for them and vice versa.

But at the day-to-day, i see performance that isn't sufficient.

This isn't me watching them from the supervisors office - I'm out there with them, doing as much work myself as I expect them to do. Some people go at a faster pace than others, and I believe it's my job to set the pace, working as hard as I want to see them work.

I've got some blocks that I'd love advice on:

1. I am clumsy and slow. When I was a kid I heard it from my parents. As a young adult I lost several jobs for not being energetic enough. This all comes flooding back when I think about telling employees they won't hit their numbers unless they move and lift faster.

2. There is opportunity for back injury, often caused by loading product carelessly. After 6 months on the job, I've started to feel like my body is slowly being worn down. I worry I'm telling employees they need to sacrifice their body to hit the numbers.

I'm working with my bosses to create performance targets, safety programs, training, etc. But, my gut reaction is getting in the way.

So - can you please offer me outside perspective and advice on physical labor? Can you help me see things from a different perspective?

Please click Here to read the full story.