by Natalie Edwards

Staff shortages are a current issue in just about every industry but can be particularly frustrating when there’s a lack of skilled staff to not only do the work, but to be available to train the up-and-comers. As with any business challenge, we can’t just sit and suffer, hoping to things to change if our businesses are to prosper. We need to find a way to pivot.

The pain commonly being felt throughout engineering companies comes from increased workload, but the same number of staff – or in some cases less. This is frustrating for both employers and employees as it makes the job more stressful to be trying to do more with less. What’s worse for employers is without making improvements to the situation they risk losing the staff they have, to someone that is able to offer something better – the grass is always greener on the other side.

 

So what is the solution when there’s simply not workers available to employ?

 

You could look to compete to be employer of the year by offering things like:

  • 4 day working weeks
  • Bonuses
  • Extra parental leave
  • Gym memberships
  • Staff lunches and social activities

 

But. Although these things may be appealing and are still a great thing to be able to offer if it works for you and your staff, they are not a long-term solution for the issue at hand. They don’t make the job any easier, they cost the company money, and they may or may not have any effect on productivity.

 

To combat the strain on current staff and productivity, it makes more sense to look at current processes and find ways to make jobs easier and more efficient. When we spend 40+ hours a week at work, you want the job to be enjoyable. If you’re able to get the job done with less effort, it’s more satisfying. If more jobs are getting out the door, customers are happy, the business can prosper, and maybe those employee perks will be doable!

 

While we may not have all the answers, a proven solution that’s been successfully implemented in over 200 engineering companies throughout New Zealand is QUICKSTOCK. It’s a way of removing mundane tasks from key staff and freeing them up to focus on more productive work, while subsequently simplifying processes and removing frustrations from the workshop team. If you’d like to find out more about how QUICKSTOCK could help create a more prosperous environment in your workshop, give us a call on 0800 278 600 or email sales@euromarc.co.nz